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Low-level carbon monoxide exposure affects BOLD fMRI response.

Caroline Bendell1, Shakeeb H Moosavi1, Mari Herigstad2

  • 1Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism : Official Journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism
|November 13, 2019
PubMed
Summary

Low-level carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can reduce brain activity signals measured by blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI). Researchers suggest caution when imaging individuals with elevated CO levels.

Keywords:
Blood oxygen level dependentcarbon monoxidefMRIphysiological confoundssmoking

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Physiology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a key technique for assessing brain activity.
  • Potential confounding factors, such as low-level carbon monoxide (CO) exposure (e.g., from smoking), may influence BOLD fMRI signals.
  • Understanding CO's impact is crucial for accurate neuroimaging interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the vulnerability of BOLD fMRI to low-level CO exposure.
  • To determine if CO exposure represents a significant confound in neuroimaging studies.
  • To quantify the effect of CO on BOLD responses during various functional tasks.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed the effects of low-level CO (6 ppm exhaled) versus an air control in 12 healthy never-smokers.
  • Utilized BOLD fMRI during breath-holds (hypercapnia), visual stimulation, and fingertapping tasks.
  • Monitored behavioral and physiological measures alongside fMRI data.

Main Results:

  • BOLD fMRI responses were significantly lower in the CO condition compared to the air control across all tasks.
  • No significant changes were observed in behavioral or physiological measures.
  • Indicates a direct impact of CO on the BOLD signal itself.

Conclusions:

  • BOLD fMRI appears vulnerable to baseline CO level variations.
  • Caution is advised when conducting fMRI on populations with potential CO exposure.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying CO's effect on fMRI.