Left posterior orbitofrontal cortex is associated with odor-induced autobiographical memory: an fMRI study
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Autobiographical odor memory (AM-odor) accompanied by a sense of realism of a specific memory elicits strong emotions.AM-odor differs from memory triggered by other sensory modalities, possibly because olfaction involves a unique sensory process.Here, we examined the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine which OFC subregions are related to AM-odor.Both AM-odor and a control odor successively increased subjective ratings of comfortableness and pleasantness.Importantly, AM-odor also increased arousal levels and the vividness of memories, and was associated with a deep and slow breathing pattern.fMRI analysis indicated robust activation in the left posterior OFC (L-POFC).Connectivity between the POFC and whole brain regions was estimated using psychophysiological interaction analysis (PPI).We detected several trends in connectivity between L-POFC and bilateral precuneus, bilateral rostral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (rdACC), and left parahippocampus, which will be useful for targeting our hypotheses for future investigations.The slow breathing observed in AM-odor was correlated with rdACC activation.Odor associated with emotionally significant autobiographical memories was accompanied by slow and deep breathing, possibly involving rdACC processing.
Author: 渡辺, 慶子
Language: English
Subfield: Sensory Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7208591887