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Shared and connection-specific intrinsic interactions in the default mode network

Jessica Samogin, Quanying Liu, Marco Marino, N. Wenderoth, Dante Mantini

Neuroimage October 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.07.007 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational cohort Peer reviewed
Sample size 19
Population Healthy volunteers
Topics Default mode network
Key findings Frequency-dependent connectivity between DMN nodes peaks at 9-11 Hz, with additional higher-frequency peaks specific to each connection.

Abstract

Electrophysiological studies revealed that different neuronal oscillations, among which the alpha (8-13 Hz) rhythm in particular, but also the beta (13-30 Hz) and gamma (30-80 Hz) rhythms, are modulated during rest in the default mode network (DMN). Little is known, however, about the role of these rhythms in supporting DMN connectivity. Biophysical studies suggest that lower and higher frequencies mediate long- and short-range connectivity, respectively. Accordingly, we hypothesized that interactions between all DMN areas are supported by the alpha rhythm, and that the connectivity between specific DMN areas is established through other frequencies, mainly in the beta and/or gamma bands. To test this hypothesis, we used high-density electroencefalographic data collected in 19 healthy volunteers at rest. We analyzed frequency-dependent functional interactions between four main DMN nodes in a broad (1-80 Hz) frequency range. In line with our hypothesis, we found that the frequency-dependent connectivity profile between pairs of DMN nodes had a peak at 9-11 Hz. Also, the connectivity profile showed other peaks at higher frequencies, which depended on the specific connection. Overall, our findings suggest that frequency-dependent connectivity analysis may be a powerful tool to better understand how different neuronal oscillations support connectivity within and between brain networks.

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on default mode network, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
A default mode of brain function Normal adult human brain 2001 Observational study
Resting-State Functional Connectivity Reflects Structural Connectivity in the Default Mode Network Healthy subjects 2008 Observational cohort
Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls 2005 Observational cohort n = 20
Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls 2011 Observational cohort
The precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the default mode network: Evidence from a partial correlation network analysis Healthy subjects 2008 Observational study

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