Changes in resting state functional connectivity within and between brain networks reveal effects of an injury to motor cortex in monkey brain

Motivation: To evaluate whether changes in resting state functional connectivity within and between brain functional networks reveal the effects of an injury to motor cortex in squirrel monkey brain. Goal(s): The goal was to quantify the connectivity changes within and between functionally relevant regions of a squirrel monkey brain post a motor cortex lesion. Approach: Resting state BOLD signals were acquired and analyzed by correlating functional MRI time courses from ICA detected networks using Pearson’s correlation.Results: Differential changes in connectivity measures were observed both within and between functional networks post the lesion which indicates the usefulness of studying both the measures in conjunction. Impact: The study demonstrates the utility of within-network connectivity measures in conjunction with the traditional approach of computing between-network connectivity to investigate the effects of a motor cortex injury. This has translational value in early diagnosis and treatment planning in patients.