Detection of memory- and learning-related brain connectivity changes following trace eyeblink-conditioning using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in the awake rabbit.

ABSTRACT: Animal imaging studies have the potential to further establish resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) and enable its validation for clinical use. The rabbit subjects used in this work are an ideal model system for studying learning and behavior and are also an excellent established test subject for awake scanning given their natural tolerance for restraint. We found that analysis of rs-fMRI conducted on a cohort of rabbits undergoing eyeblink conditioning can reveal functional brain connectivity changes associated with learning, and that rs-fMRI can be used to capture differences between subjects with different levels of cognitive performance. rs-fMRI sessions were conducted on a cohort of rabbits before and after trace eyeblink conditioning. MRI results were analyzed using independent component ana

SUBMITTER: Bertolino N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7987632 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature