The ascending arousal system promotes optimal performance through mesoscale network integration in a visuospatial
Gabriel Wainstein1, Daniel Rojas-Líbano2, Vicente Medel1
1Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Network Neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.)
|January 13, 2022
Summary
This study reveals how arousal and attention impact brain networks. Increased attentional load alters brain activity and network integration, linked to noradrenergic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- The autonomic nervous system influences cognitive functions.
- Limited macroscale brain evidence exists for autonomic-cognitive interactions.
- Ascending arousal and attentional load are key modulators of cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how ascending arousal and attentional load affect large-scale brain network dynamics.
- To provide direct empirical evidence of brain mechanisms linking autonomic function and cognition.
- To explore the relationship between noradrenergic activity, network integration, and task performance.
Main Methods:
- Combined pupillometry, functional MRI (fMRI), and graph theoretical analysis.
- Utilized a visual motion-tracking task with parametric attentional load manipulation.
- Analyzed brain activity (BOLD signal) and mesoscale network integration.
Main Results:
- Attentional load modulated pupil diameter and specific brain region activity.
- Mesoscale network integration was parametrically affected by attentional load.
- Brain network reconfiguration patterns correlated with α2a adrenergic receptor distribution.
- Noradrenergic activity was linked to network integration and cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Ascending noradrenergic activity plays a crucial role in large-scale network integration.
- Attentional load dynamically reconfigures brain networks.
- This study solidifies the link between autonomic nervous system, brain networks, and cognitive function.
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