Posterior Cingulate Cortex-Related Co-Activation Patterns: A Resting State fMRI Study in Propofol-Induced Loss of Consciousness
PLoS ONE June 30, 2014 Enrico Amico, Francisco Gómez, Carol di Perri et al. 115 citations
Functional connectivity of brain areas fluctuates over time, even during anesthesia. By applying point process analysis to resting-state fMRI data from 18 healthy subjects during propofol-induced wakefulness, sedation, unconsciousness, and recovery, the study identified eight distinct co-activation patterns centered on the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The core of these patterns remained stable across consciousness levels, but propofol caused region-specific reductions in co-activation, including disconnections of the prefrontal cortex, thalamus, auditory cortex, motor cortex, and visual area. The methodology helps refine characterization of local functional brain changes associated with propofol-induced modulation of consciousness.