Anesthesia and Functional Connectivity: An Analysis of fMRI Changes
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2015-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Functional connectivity is defined as a correlation in neural activity between distinct
regions of the brain. Several recent studies have demonstrated areas of low-frequency
functional connectivity inherent to brain tissue at rest. These oscillations can be measured
using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and appear to be synchronized between
related areas of the brain.
To date, no investigators have examined the effects of low-dose anesthesia on functional
connectivity. This study will image the human brain under conditions of rest, and low-dose
anesthetic induced sedation. Quality of the acquired signals will be evaluated and functional
networks in the brain will be examined. Of interest is whether administration of a low-dose
anesthetic disrupts functional connectivity in the brain, and whether a disruption of
functional connectivity is responsible for the reported analgesic and antidepressant effects
of a anesthetic.
Participation in the study includes four visits: an in-person interview, an initial fMRI
scan, the anesthesia infusion, and a second fMRI scan. There is an optional follow-up fMRI
scan one week post infusion.