Functional connectivity: integrating behavioral, diffusion tensor imaging, and functional magnetic resonance imaging data sets

J Cogn Neurosci. 2005 Apr;17(4):687-93. doi: 10.1162/0898929053467569.

Abstract

In the present study, we combined 2 types of magnetic resonance technology to explore individual differences on a task that required the recognition of objects presented from unusual viewpoints. This task was chosen based on previous work that has established the necessity of information transfer from the right parietal cortex to the left inferior cortex for its successful completion. We used reaction times (RTs) to localize regions of cortical activity in the superior parietal and inferior frontal regions (blood oxygen level-dependent [BOLD] response) that were more active with longer response times. These regions were then sampled, and their signal change used to predict individual differences in structural integrity of white matter in the corpus callosum (using diffusion tensor imaging). Results show that shorter RTs (and associated increases in BOLD response) are associated with increased organization in the splenium of the corpus callosum, whereas longer RTs are associated with increased organization in the genu.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Cerebral Cortex / anatomy & histology
  • Cerebral Cortex / blood supply*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Neural Pathways / blood supply
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Reaction Time / physiology

Substances

  • Oxygen