Functional subdivision of the human periaqueductal grey in respiratory control using 7 tesla fMRI.

ABSTRACT: The periaqueductal grey (PAG) is a nucleus within the midbrain, and evidence from animal models has identified its role in many homeostatic systems including respiration. Animal models have also demonstrated a columnar structure that subdivides the PAG into four columns on each side, and these subdivisions have different functions with regard to respiration. In this study we used ultra-high field functional MRI (7 T) to image the brainstem and superior cortical areas at high resolution (1mm(3)voxels), aiming to identify activation within the columns of the PAG associated with respiratory control. Our results showed deactivation in the lateral and dorsomedial columns of the PAG corresponding with short (~10s) breath holds, along with cortical activations consistent with previous respiratory

SUBMITTER: Faull OK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4441042 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature