Laminar fMRI-MRS Study: Exploring the Relationship Between Cortical Depth Dependent BOLD Signals and Neurometabolites Concentrations in PCC

Motivation: To gain insights into the neurochemical underpinnings of brain function by investigating the association between the cortical depth-dependent BOLD signal and neurometabolite concentrations in the PCC. Goal(s): Examine the relationship between neurometabolites and laminar-fMRI metrics in the PCC to uncover layer-specific functional relationshipsApproach: Laminar fMRI and MRS at 7T and assessment of correlations between cortical depth-dependent fMRI-metrics and neurometabolitesResults: Glutamate positively correlated with the fMRI ECM-metric in the intermediate layers of the PCC, suggesting increased long-range neural excitability. Conversely, lactate concentration negatively correlated with the fMRI ALFF-metric in superficial layers of the PCC, indicating potential layer-specific metabolic and functional differencesImpact: This study exposes the intricate relationship between regional neurometabolite concentrations and laminar fMRI metrics in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) that contribute to our understanding of brain activity and functional connectivity at rest