Somatosensory lateralization in the newborn brain.
Since the onset and early postnatal development of hemispheric lateralization in the human brain are unknown, we studied cortical activation induced by passive extension and flexion of the hand in neonates using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In contrast to that seen in older age groups, somatosensory areas in the pre- and postcentral gyri of the neonate showed no significant hemispheric lateralization at term. Instead, our findings from independent left- and right-hand experiments suggest the presence of an emerging trend of contralateral lateralization of the somatosensory system at around term.
Erberich
Stephan G
SG
Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 4560 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. serberich@chla.usc.edu
Panigrahy
Ashok
A
Friedlich
Philippe
P
Seri
Istvan
I
Nelson
Marvin D
MD
Gilles
Floyd
F
D001931:Brain Mapping; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D007234:Infant, Premature; D016014:Linear Models; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology
D010100:Oxygen