Noninvasive study of neurovascular coupling during graded neuronal suppression

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2008 Feb;28(2):280-90. doi: 10.1038/sj.jcbfm.9600531. Epub 2007 Aug 15.

Abstract

In this study, the neurovascular coupling relationship was noninvasively studied in the human visual cortex. Graded neuronal/hemodynamic suppression conditions were generated using a paired-stimulus paradigm. Visual evoked potential was measured to quantify neuronal activity. Hemodynamic activities were measured and quantified by perfusion and blood oxygenation level-dependent changes. All quantification was normalized to the same activation condition induced by a single stimulus paradigm within each experimental session. This experiment design eliminated the confounding factors such as anesthesia and inconsistent neurovascular coupling patterns within and/or among tasks. The results reveal that (i) there is a tight neurovascular coupling at graded neuronal suppression conditions; (ii) the neurovascular coupling relationship contains a subtle, but significant, nonlinear component; and (iii) the linear model, nevertheless, is still a good approximation reflecting the neurovascular coupling relationship. This study extends the range of the neurovascular coupling relationship from graded neuronal excitation conditions to graded neuronal suppression conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Blood Vessels / innervation*
  • Blood Vessels / physiology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology*
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / physiology
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Regression Analysis
  • Visual Cortex / physiology