Examining Insula–Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity and Its Relationship with Heart Rate Variability
Marlene Nogueira, Juliana da Silva Magalhães, Adriana Sampaio, S. Sousa, Joana F. Coutinho
Brain Science 2025 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15010037 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 43 |
| Population | Healthy adults |
| Measures | BIOPAC system |
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key findings | Insula activity was positively connected with the default mode network, but this insula–DMN connectivity showed no correlation with heart rate variability, contrary to the hypothesis. Left insula volume was positively associated with HRV. The authors suggest that insula–DMN connectivity may not be directly related to HRV and that other factors may influence autonomic function. |
Abstract
Background: The Default Mode Network (DMN) is involved in self-referential and emotional processes, while the insula integrates emotional and interoceptive signals. Functional connectivity between the insula and the DMN is proposed to enhance these processes by linking internal bodily states with self-referential thoughts and emotional regulation. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a measure of parasympathetic regulation of cardiac activity, has been associated with the capacity to regulate autonomic arousal. This study explored the relationship between insula–DMN functional connectivity and HRV. We hypothesized that (1) insula’s functional activity and volume would be related to HRV; (2) insula activation would be functionally connected with the DMN; and (3) stronger insula–DMN connectivity would correlate with higher HRV.
Methods: Forty-three healthy adults underwent a structural and functional MRI acquisition to assess insula–DMN connectivity during resting state. HRV was measured also at rest using the BIOPAC system.
Results: A significant positive correlation was found between insula–DMN connectivity, but no correlation was observed between insula–DMN connectivity and HRV. We also found a positive significant association between left insula volume and HRV.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that while the AI and DMN are functionally interconnected, this connectivity may not be directly related to HRV. The results highlight the complexity of the relationship between brain connectivity and autonomic function, suggesting that other factors may influence HRV.
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 |
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- Altered insula–default mode network connectivity in fibromyalgia: a resting-state magnetoencephalographic study The Journal of Headache and Pain August 23, 2017
- How do you feel--now? The anterior insula and human awareness. Nature reviews. Neuroscience 2009