MRI methods for the study of central nervous system involvement in autonomic function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Background:

• Autonomic regulation (AR) is crucial for mammalian bodily functioning across diverse physiological and psychological states.
• The neural network underlying AR, involving central and peripheral nervous systems, is complex and not fully understood.
• While animal studies provide insights, direct translation to human AR is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding human autonomic regulation (AR).
• To highlight the role of non-invasive neuroimaging, particularly MRI, in studying human AR.
• To emphasize methodological aspects and the CNS involvement in AR.

Main Methods:

• Review of non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, focusing on MRI.
• Discussion of studies investigating the central nervous system (CNS) involvement in human AR.
• Exploration of methodological considerations in AR research.

Main Results:

• Non-invasive MRI approaches are significantly enhancing the study of human AR.
• Evidence suggests substantial central nervous system (CNS) involvement in human AR.
• AR shows potential relevance for cognitive functions like memory and brain waste clearance.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive neuroimaging, especially MRI, is revolutionizing human autonomic regulation (AR) research.
• Understanding human AR is critical for its implications in memory and brain waste clearance.
• Further methodological refinement is key to advancing AR research.