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The effects of head-cooling on brain function during passive hyperthermia: an fMRI study
Yan Xue1,2, Li Li2,3, Shaowen Qian2
1a Graduate School, Jinzhou Medical University , Jinzhou , China.
Summary
Head-cooling significantly improved thermal comfort and brain activity during heat exposure. This intervention reduced negative effects of hyperthermia on brain function and sensation in healthy men.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Health
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Passive hyperthermia, induced by environmental heat exposure, can significantly impact physiological and neurological functions.
- Understanding the brain's response to heat stress is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.
- Previous research indicates thermal sensation is linked to brain activity, but the specific effects of head-cooling during hyperthermia require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of head-cooling on resting-state spontaneous brain activity during passive hyperthermia.
- To examine how head-cooling influences regional brain activity and functional connectivity under heat stress.
- To correlate brain activity changes with subjective thermal sensation scores.
Main Methods:
- 16 healthy men were exposed to three conditions: normal control (NC, 25°C), hot without head-cooling (HOT, 50°C), and hot with head-cooling (HHC, 50°C).
- Resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) data were acquired to analyze amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and functional connectivity (zFC).
- Pearson's correlation analysis was used to link ALFF values with subjective sensation scores.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in ALFF were observed in the medial prefrontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex (MPFC/ACC), posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PCu), and fusiform gyrus.
- Head-cooling (HHC) increased ALFF in the bilateral PCC/PCu and decreased ALFF in the right fusiform gyrus compared to NC and HOT conditions.
- Positive functional connectivity between MPFC/ACC and PCC/PCu increased in HHC versus HOT, while negative connectivity involving the fusiform gyrus showed a decreasing trend from HHC to HOT. Head-cooling also improved thermal comfort.
Conclusions:
- Head-cooling effectively mitigates the negative impact of hyperthermia on spontaneous brain activity.
- The intervention enhances brain functional integration and regional activity patterns under heat stress.
- Head-cooling improves thermal comfort, suggesting a dual benefit for physiological regulation during heat exposure.