Viewing socio‐affective stimuli increases connectivity within an extended default mode network
M. Göttlich, Z. Ye, A. Rodríguez-Fornells, T. Münte, U. Krämer
Neuroimage March 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.12.044 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational functional neuroimaging study using graph theory and beta-series correlations Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key findings | Emotional relative to neutral socio-affective stimuli increased connectivity between 74 nodes across networks, most belonging to an extended default mode network (eDMN). Posterior STG/TPJ regions were provincial hubs within the eDMN, and the eDMN showed stronger connectivity to a cognitive control network, with posterior cingulate cortex and ventrolateral PFC serving as connector hubs between the two networks. |
Abstract
Abstract Empathy is an essential ability for prosocial behavior. Previous imaging studies identified a number of brain regions implicated in affective and cognitive aspects of empathy. In this study, we investigated the neural correlates of empathy from a network perspective using graph theory and beta‐series correlations. Two independent data sets were acquired using the same paradigm that elicited empathic responses to socio‐affective stimuli. One data set was used to define the network nodes and modular structure, the other data set was used to investigate the effects of emotional versus neutral stimuli on network connectivity. Emotional relative to neutral stimuli increased connectivity between 74 nodes belonging to different networks. Most of these nodes belonged to an extended default mode network (eDMN). The other nodes belonged to a cognitive control network or visual networks. Within the eDMN, posterior STG/TPJ regions were identified as provincial hubs. The eDMN also showed stronger connectivity to the cognitive control network encompassing lateral PFC regions. Connector hubs between the two networks were posterior cingulate cortex and ventrolateral PFC. This stresses the advantage of a network approach as regions similarly modulated by task conditions can be dissociated into distinct networks and regions crucial for network integration can be identified. HighlightsViewing socio‐emotional stimuli increased connectivity within an extended DMN.Posterior STG/TPJ regions were provincial hubs within the eDMN.PCC and vlPFC were connector hubs between eDMN and cognitive control network.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional connectivity of default mode network components: Correlation, anticorrelation, and causality Healthy subjects | 2008 | Observational study using resting-state fMRI and seed correlation analysis | |
| Patterns of Brain Activity Supporting Autobiographical Memory, Prospection, and Theory of Mind, and Their Relationship to the Default Mode Network Healthy subjects | 2009 | Experimental study using fMRI | |
| Dynamic reconfiguration of the default mode network during narrative comprehension Human subjects | 2016 | Experimental study | |
| Broadband Cortical Desynchronization Underlies the Human Psychedelic State Healthy human participants | 2013 | Experimental study | |
| The brain on art: intense aesthetic experience activates the default mode network Human observers | 2012 | Observational study with fMRI and behavioral analysis |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The default mode network in cognition: a topographical perspective Nature Reviews Neuroscience July 5, 2021
- Altered functional connectivity within the default mode network in two animal models with opposing episodic memories PLoS One September 18, 2018
- Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Correlate with Psychosocial Development in Contemplative Practitioners and Controls Brain Science May 30, 2021
Cites 5
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- On the relationship between the “default mode network” and the “social brain” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
- Fractionating the Default Mode Network: Distinct Contributions of the Ventral and Dorsal Posterior Cingulate Cortex to Cognitive Control Journal of Neuroscience March 2, 2011
- The default mode network and social understanding of others: what do brain connectivity studies tell us Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- How do you feel--now? The anterior insula and human awareness. Nature reviews. Neuroscience 2009