Systemic Inflammation and Resting State Connectivity of the Default Mode Network
Brain, behavior, and immunity January 23, 2017 A. Marsland, Dora C. H. Kuan, L. Sheu et al.
Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), an indicator of systemic inflammation, is associated with specific patterns of functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) of the brain. In 98 adults aged 30–54, higher IL-6 levels correlated with stronger connectivity in the sub-genual anterior cingulate cortex and weaker connectivity in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest a link between immune function and brain network activity that may relate to psychological and behavioral states in health and disease.