Stomach-brain synchrony reveals a novel, delayed-connectivity resting-state network in humans

Abstract

Resting-state networks offer a unique window into the brain’s functional architecture, but their characterization remains limited to instantaneous connectivity thus far. Here, we describe a novel resting-state network based on the delayed connectivity between the brain and the slow electrical rhythm (0.05 Hz) generated in the stomach. The gastric network cuts across classical resting-state networks with partial overlap with autonomic regulation areas. This network is composed of regions with convergent functional properties involved in mapping bodily space through touch, action or vision, as well as mapping external space in bodily coordinates. The network is characterized by a precise temporal sequence of activations within a gastric cycle, beginning with somato-motor cortices and ending with the extrastriate body area and dorsal precuneus. Our results demonstrate that canonical resting-state networks based on instantaneous connectivity represent only one of the possible partitions of the brain into coherent networks based on temporal dynamics.

The frequency architecture of brain and brain body oscillations: an analysis

“…Rebollo et al . () extended this finding in a BOLD study and showed that a brain network (termed gastric network) is phase synchronized with the gastric basal rhythm. Within this gastric network, approximately 15% of the BOLD variance is explained by gastric phase.…”

Non-invasive stimulation of vagal afferents reduces gastric frequency

“…Participants were then asked to lie down on a bed. To measure the electrogastrogram (EGG), the skin above the abdomen was cleaned and six (four EGG electrodes, reference and ground electrode) standard electrocardiogram electrodes with solid gel (3M red dot) were applied according to the placement described in [1]. The electrodes were connected to a BrainAmp DC (BrainProducts, Gilching, Germany) EEG recording system and electrodes were left in place for the second session.…”

Respiration competes with theta for modulating parietal cortex neurons

“…Interestingly, recent studies are starting to unveil relationships between oscillatory activity produced by different organ systems. For instance, Tallon-Baudry and collaborators have shown that ascending signals from the heart and gastrointestinal tract modulate brain dynamics and affect perception, emotion and cognition [10][11][12][13]. In particular, the EEG alpha rhythm was shown to be modulated by the phase of the gastric cycle [7].…”