Using perfusion fMRI to measure continuous changes in neural activity with learning.
In this study, we examine the suitability of a relatively new imaging technique, arterial spin labeled perfusion imaging, for the study of continuous, gradual changes in neural activity. Unlike BOLD imaging, the perfusion signal is stable over long time-scales, allowing for accurate assessment of continuous performance. In addition, perfusion fMRI provides an absolute measure of blood flow so signal changes can be interpreted without reference to a baseline. The task we used was the serial response time task, a sequence learning task. Our results show reliable correlations between performance improvements and decreases in blood flow in premotor cortex and the inferior parietal lobe, supporting the model that learning procedures that increase efficiency of processing will be reflected in lower metabolic needs in tissues that support such processes. More generally, our results show that perfusion fMRI may be applied to the study of mental operations that produce gradual changes in neural activity.
Olson
Ingrid R
IR
Centers for Cognitive Neuroscience, CCN, and Functional Neuroimaging, CfN, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, 19104, USA.
Rao
Hengyi
H
Moore
Katherine Sledge
KS
Wang
Jiongjiong
J
Detre
John A
JA
Aguirre
Geoffrey K
GK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012691:Serial Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D013113:Spin Labels
D013113:Spin Labels