FUNCTIONAL MRI AT

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FUNCTIONAL MRI AT THE OHIO STATE
UNIVERSITY David Q. Beversdorf, MD Departments
of Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics
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OSU fMRI Three studies thus far by other
groups -NIH multicenter trial on restraint
therapy in stroke -Antonio Algaze and
Departments of Ophthalmology Radiology
functional MRI detection of amblyopia-related
occipital cortex deficits (J AAPOS
20026300-8) -James Ibinson and Departments of
Anesthesiology Radiology decay and
habituation of fMRI signal to painful stimuli,
preliminary work for future research on serial
pain tasks (Anesthesiology 2004101960-9)
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OSU fMRI Madalina Tivarus and our group the
effect of semantic distance on the degree of fMRI
activation during semantic priming tasks (Cogn.
Neurosci. Society 2004) (L-DOPA modulates
performance on this) (ERfMRI)
LEFT CN runs RIGHT DN runs
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Functional Connectivity MRI (fcMRI) -Measures
the correlation of activity between related
activated brain regions -Some groups have used
this tool to establish the networks involved in
certain tasks -Just et al (Pittsburgh)
functional connectivity decreased in language
areas in autism during language tasks
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AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS - Individuals with
ASD have impaired semantic network flexibility -
Treatment with NE antagonists has social and
language benefits PHARMACOLOGICAL MODULATION OF
COGNITION - NE system and stress modulate
semantic networks
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COCAINE - Increased sensitivity of NE neurons
occurs in cocaine w/d - Cocaine withdrawal
patients have impaired semantic network
flexibility, which significantly improves with NE
antagonists - Stress increases relapse in
cocaine withdrawal - Treatment with NE
antagonists improves outcome in withdrawal
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THEREFORE Our current line of research involves
examining the effect of catecholamines on the
semantic network in autism and cocaine withdrawal
-Study 1 examined the effect of L-DOPA on
functional connectivity in normals (currently
in image analysis) -Study 2 will compare
propranolol nadolol in normals -subsequent
studies will examine the pharmacological effect
in autism and cocaine withdrawal ALSO- the
effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on fMRI
activation with memory, attention, and problem
solving tasks in MCI
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FUTURE POSSIBILITIES - 3 Tesla MRI significant
increase in resolution and BOLD signal
beneficial - 7 Tesla MRI and above much work
needed, bud increased resolution may yield
unique processing information such as cortical
column activity ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NIDA (R21
DA015734), NINDS (K23 NS43222), Davis
Scholarship, Pfizer/Eisai Unrestricted
Educational Grant, Wright Center