Cite as:
Hernowo A, Renken R, Cornelissen F, 2008, "Acute local changes in cortical anatomy during visual activity" Perception 37 ECVP Abstract Supplement, page 16

Acute local changes in cortical anatomy during visual activity

A Hernowo, R Renken, F Cornelissen

Studies have indicated the presence of volumetric changes both in glial cells and the extracellular space during neuronal activity (Sykova and Chvatal, 2000 Neurochemistry International 36 397 - 409; Dietzel et al, 1980 Experimental Brain Research 40 432 - 439). In this study, we examined whether such volume changes at the cellular level are translated into changes that can be observed at the scale of the cerebral cortex. Two subsequent T1-weighted anatomical MRI scans were obtained in eight subjects. During the first scan, the subject was viewing a 6.5 min movie of natural scenery; during the second scan, the subject had his eyes closed (rest). The acquired cortical scans were subsequently analyzed using voxel-based morphometry. Comparing cortical anatomy during viewing vs rest revealed no detectable volumetric changes in the grey matter of visual cortex. However, such volumetric changes were observed in the anterior cingulate cortex and bilaterally in the insulas. These results suggest that acute volumetric changes at the cellular level related to neuronal activity can result in macroscopically detectable changes in cortical anatomy.

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