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Regional and long-range neural synchronization abnormality during passive hyperthermia.
Wei Han1, Shaowen Qian2, Qingjun Jiang2
1Department of Scientific Research and Training, Jinan Military General Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
Behavioural Brain Research
|December 17, 2017
Summary
Passive hyperthermia disrupts brain activity, impairing cognitive functions like attention. This study found altered regional and long-range neural synchronization, linking brain changes to thermal sensation and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Passive hyperthermia negatively impacts cognitive functions, including attention and working memory.
- These cognitive impairments may stem from disruptions in regional and long-range neural activity.
- Understanding brain activity alterations during hyperthermia is crucial for cognitive function and thermal regulation insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional and long-range neural synchronization abnormalities during passive hyperthermia.
- To explore the relationship between brain activity changes, thermal sensation, and behavioral outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) data acquired from 23 healthy males under normothermic (25°C) and hyperthermic (50°C) conditions.
- Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed-based functional connectivity analyses were employed.
- Attention Network Test (ANT) administered post-scanning to assess cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Hyperthermia condition (HC) showed decreased regional neural synchronization in frontal-occipital cortex regions (inferior frontal gyrus/insula, middle occipital gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus).
- Increased regional neural synchronization was observed in the left dorsal superior/middle frontal gyrus under HC.
- Aberrant long-range neural synchronization was identified in the orbital medial frontal cortex and temporal-parietal junction areas.
- Positive correlation between altered ReHo in the left dorsolateral superior/middle frontal gyrus and executive control.
- Negative correlation between orbital medial frontal cortex connectivity and increased rectal temperature.
Conclusions:
- Passive hyperthermia induces significant disruptions in brain activity, characterized by altered local ReHo and long-range functional connectivity.
- These findings contribute to understanding the link between neural activity, thermal sensation, physiological regulation, and behavioral changes.
- The study highlights the impact of elevated body temperature on brain networks supporting cognitive functions.
