Dynamic Resting State Functional Connectivity in a Sepsis Mouse Model After Vagus Nerve Stimulation Treatment

Motivation: The underlying mechanism of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment for sepsis is rarely discussed, especially how the brain network is regulated with the treatment. Goal(s): To investigate changes in dynamic resting-state functional (rs-fMRI) connectivity after VNS treatment in a sepsis mouse model. Approach: Dynamic rs-fMRI matrices were generated by computing correlation coefficients across the selected brain regions. K-means clustering method was used to classify all matrices into three states. The characteristics of the networks were quantified with network metrics. Results: After VNS treatment, the probability of segregated state decreased. The insular region was involved in several modulated connectivity. Impact: After VNS, the brain connectivity of sepsis mice tended to distribute evenly. The probability of segregated state decreased. The connectivity with the insular region was substantially modulated after VNS treatment.