Influence of Propofol-Induced Sedation on White Matter Functional Connectivity.
Jiayi Zhang1, Minyu Jian2, Leqing Zhou1
1From the School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|February 18, 2026
Summary
Propofol sedation significantly reduces white matter functional connectivity, impacting key brain networks. This disruption may serve as a biomarker for deep sedation states.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Anesthesiology
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Propofol is a common anesthetic, with prior research focusing on gray matter effects.
- White matter's role in brain communication is increasingly recognized.
- The impact of propofol on white matter function remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in white matter functional connectivity during propofol-induced sedation.
- To identify specific white matter tracts affected by propofol.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state fMRI was used in 21 healthy participants across four states: awake, mild sedation, deep sedation, and recovery.
- White matter functional connectivity (white-gray and white-white) was analyzed.
- White matter-mediated network efficiency was assessed.
Main Results:
- Deep propofol sedation significantly decreased white-gray and white-white matter functional connectivity.
- Key tracts like the internal capsule and corpus callosum showed altered connectivity.
- Global network efficiency, including multiple functional networks, decreased during deep sedation.
Conclusions:
- Propofol disrupts white matter functional connectivity, particularly during deep sedation.
- Reductions in connectivity suggest impaired large-scale brain integration.
- White matter functional connectivity changes could be a biomarker for deep sedation.
