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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
Temporal dynamics of olfactory training-induced neuroplasticity: an fMRI study using variable-onset hemodynamic
Hanani Abdul Manan1, Mei Ren2, Zetian Li2
1Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse, 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Makmal Pemprosesan Imej Kefungsian (Functional Image Processing Laboratory), Department of Radiology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56 000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Olfactory training (OT) enhances neural plasticity in patients with olfactory loss, showing delayed network engagement for recovery. Healthy individuals exhibit refined, efficient neural responses after OT, indicating distinct adaptation patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory processing
- Functional neuroimaging
Background:
- Olfactory training (OT) is effective for olfactory dysfunction, but its neural mechanisms and temporal dynamics are unclear.
- Standard neuroimaging models overlook the timing and shape of BOLD responses.
- This study re-examines OT effects using advanced fMRI to understand neural changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal dynamics of neural mechanisms underlying olfactory training.
- To compare brain responses in patients with olfactory loss and healthy controls before and after OT.
- To analyze changes in olfactory network activity, focusing on the insula, amygdala, and OFC.
Main Methods:
- Employed a novel multi-model fMRI framework to map temporal tuning profiles of olfactory network responses.
- Assessed patients (n=20) and controls (n=19) before and after a 12-week OT program.
- Estimated region-specific response amplitude, latency, and waveform properties in key ROIs (insula, amygdala, OFC).
Main Results:
- Patients showed weak/absent BOLD responses pre-training; post-training, they exhibited delayed and broadened hemodynamic peaks, indicating recovery.
- Healthy controls displayed amygdala habituation and OFC biphasic responses, suggesting efficient temporal reorganization.
- OT induced state-dependent neural plasticity, with different adaptation patterns in patients versus controls.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory training promotes neural plasticity, with patients showing broader, delayed network engagement for sensory restoration.
- Healthy individuals demonstrate more precise and efficient neural responses post-training.
- Findings reveal distinct functional adaptation patterns in the human olfactory system during recovery and learning.
