Functional connectivity in the dorsal network of the cervical spinal cord is correlated with diffusion tensor imaging indices in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Focal lesions may affect functional connectivity (FC) of the ventral and dorsal networks in the cervical spinal cord of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Resting-state FC can be measured using functional MRI (fMRI) at 3T. This study sought to determine whether alterations in FC may be related to the degree of damage in the normal-appearing tissue. Tissue integrity and FC in the cervical spinal cord were assessed with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state fMRI, respectively, in a group of 26 RRMS participants with high cervical lesion load, low disability, and minimally impaired sensorimotor function, and healthy controls. Lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher radial diffusivity (RD) were observed in the normal-appearing white matter in the RRMS group relative to controls. Average FC in ventral and dorsal networks was similar between groups. Significant associations were found between higher FC in the dorsal sensory network and several DTI markers of pathology in the normal-appearing tissue. In the normal-appearing grey matter, dorsal FC was positively correlated with axial diffusivity (AD) (r = 0.46, p = 0.020) and mean diffusivity (MD) (r = 0.43, p = 0.032). In the normal-appearing white matter, dorsal FC was negatively correlated with FA (r = -0.43, p = 0.028) and positively correlated with RD (r = 0.49, p = 0.012), AD (r = 0.42, p = 0.037) and MD (r = 0.53, p = 0.006). These results suggest that increased connectivity, while remaining within the normal range, may represent a compensatory mechanism in response to structural damage in support of preserved sensory function in RRMS.

Source: NeuroImage Clinical

DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103127

Authors: Anna J.E. Combes, Kristin P. O'Grady, Baxter P. Rogers, Kurt G. Schilling, Richard D. Lawless, Mereze Visagie, Delaney Houston, Logan Prock, Shekinah Malone, Sanjana Satish, Atlee A. Witt, Colin D. McKnight, Francesca Bagnato, John C. Gore, Seth A. Smith

Institutions: Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Meharry Medical College, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville VA Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Functional Brain Connectivity Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240

Funders: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Biogen, Radiological Society of North America, Biogen Idec, Vanderbilt University, Health Services Research and Development, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

OpenAlex ID: W4288056760