Functional connectivity between prefrontal and parietal cortex drives visuo-spatial attention shifts.
Klaartje Heinen1, Eva Feredoes1, Christian C Ruff1
1Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, UK; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
Neuropsychologia
|March 4, 2017
Summary
The frontal eye-fields (FEF) causally influence attention shifting by impacting the ventral attention network. Disrupting the right FEF impaired attention shifts and visual discrimination tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Attention Research
Background:
- The frontal eye-fields (FEF) are known to guide attention within the dorsal attention network (DAN).
- Evidence suggests FEF plays a causal role in attention shifting, involving the ventral attention network (VAN) and fronto-striatal regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal influence of the FEF as a central hub connecting attention networks.
- To explore the role of FEF in attention shifting using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Main Methods:
- Applied off-line theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) over the right FEF.
- Utilized fMRI during a cued visuo-spatial attention shifting paradigm.
- Measured behavioral performance and neural signals before, during, and after stimulation.
Main Results:
- TBS over the right FEF impaired visual discrimination after attention shifts and during sustained attention tasks.
- TBS suppressed neural activity in FEF, parietal lobules, and supramarginal gyri, particularly after attention shifts.
- Reduced functional connectivity between the right FEF and right supramarginal gyrus correlated with behavioral deficits in attention shifting.
Conclusions:
- Right FEF influences on the supramarginal gyrus within the VAN causally underlie attention shifts.
- This FEF-SMG interaction is crucial for disengaging from the current focus of attention.
- These findings highlight the FEF's role as a critical hub in attention network interactions.
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