T M Raiser1, V L Flanagin1, M Duering2, A van Ombergen3, R M Ruehl4, P Zu Eulenburg5. 1. German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Munich, Germany. 2. Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Munich, Germany; Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany. 3. German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. 4. German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany. 5. German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Munich, Germany; Institute for Neuroradiology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. Electronic address: Peter.Zu.Eulenburg@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the cortical organization of human vestibular information processing. Instead of a dedicated primary vestibular cortex, a distributed network of regions across the cortex respond to vestibular input. The aim of this study is to characterize the human corticocortical vestibular network and compare it to established results in non-human primates. METHODS: We collected high-resolution multi-shell diffusion-weighted (DWI) and state-of-the-art resting-state functional MR images of 29 right-handed normal subjects. Ten cortical vestibular regions per hemisphere were predefined from previous vestibular stimulation studies and applied as regions of interest. Four different structural corticocortical vestibular networks accounting for relevant constraints were investigated. The analyses included the investigation of common network measures and hemispheric differences for functional and structural connectivity patterns alike. In addition, the results of the structural vestibular network were compared to findings previously reported in non-human primates with respect to tracer injections (Guldin and Grusser, 1998). RESULTS: All structural networks independent of the applied constraints showed a recurring subdivision into identical three submodules. The structural human network was characterized by a predominantly intrahemispheric connectivity, whereas the functional pattern highlighted a strong connectivity for all homotopic nodes. A significant laterality preference towards the right hemisphere can be observed throughout the analyses: (1) with larger nodes, (2) stronger connectivity values structurally and functionally, and (3) a higher functional relevance. Similar connectivity patterns to non-human primate data were found in sensory and higher association cortices rather than premotor and motor areas. CONCLUSION: Our analysis delineated a remarkably stable organization of cortical vestibular connectivity. Differences found between primate species may be attributed to phylogeny as well as methodological differences. With our work we solidified evidence for lateralization within the corticocortical vestibular network. Our results might explain why cortical lesions in humans do not lead to persistent vestibular symptoms. Redundant structural routing throughout the network and a high-degree functional connectivity may buffer the network and reestablish network integrity quickly in case of injury.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the cortical organization of human vestibular information processing. Instead of a dedicated primary vestibular cortex, a distributed network of regions across the cortex respond to vestibular input. The aim of this study is to characterize the human corticocortical vestibular network and compare it to established results in non-human primates. METHODS: We collected high-resolution multi-shell diffusion-weighted (DWI) and state-of-the-art resting-state functional MR images of 29 right-handed normal subjects. Ten cortical vestibular regions per hemisphere were predefined from previous vestibular stimulation studies and applied as regions of interest. Four different structural corticocortical vestibular networks accounting for relevant constraints were investigated. The analyses included the investigation of common network measures and hemispheric differences for functional and structural connectivity patterns alike. In addition, the results of the structural vestibular network were compared to findings previously reported in non-human primates with respect to tracer injections (Guldin and Grusser, 1998). RESULTS: All structural networks independent of the applied constraints showed a recurring subdivision into identical three submodules. The structural human network was characterized by a predominantly intrahemispheric connectivity, whereas the functional pattern highlighted a strong connectivity for all homotopic nodes. A significant laterality preference towards the right hemisphere can be observed throughout the analyses: (1) with larger nodes, (2) stronger connectivity values structurally and functionally, and (3) a higher functional relevance. Similar connectivity patterns to non-human primate data were found in sensory and higher association cortices rather than premotor and motor areas. CONCLUSION: Our analysis delineated a remarkably stable organization of cortical vestibular connectivity. Differences found between primate species may be attributed to phylogeny as well as methodological differences. With our work we solidified evidence for lateralization within the corticocortical vestibular network. Our results might explain why cortical lesions in humans do not lead to persistent vestibular symptoms. Redundant structural routing throughout the network and a high-degree functional connectivity may buffer the network and reestablish network integrity quickly in case of injury.
Authors: Jeremy L Smith; Anna Trofimova; Vishwadeep Ahluwalia; Jose J Casado Garrido; Julia Hurtado; Rachael Frank; April Hodge; Russell K Gore; Jason W Allen Journal: Hum Brain Mapp Date: 2021-12-03 Impact factor: 5.038
Authors: Julian Conrad; Maximilian Habs; Ria M Ruehl; Rainer Bögle; Matthias Ertl; Valerie Kirsch; Ozan E Eren; Sandra Becker-Bense; Thomas Stephan; Frank A Wollenweber; Marco Duering; Peter Zu Eulenburg; Marianne Dieterich Journal: Neuroimage Clin Date: 2022-02-04 Impact factor: 4.881