Open AccessFetal brain activity in response to a visual stimulus
Author(s) -
Fulford Jonathan,
Vadeyar Shantala H.,
Dodampahala Senani H.,
Moore Rachel J.,
Young Paul,
Baker Philip N.,
James David K.,
Gowland Penny A.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
human brain mapping
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.005
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1097-0193
pISSN - 1065-9471
DOI - 10.1002/hbm.10139
Subject(s) - functional magnetic resonance imaging , stimulus (psychology) , neuroscience , psychology , visual cortex , hum , brain activity and meditation , electroencephalography , art , performance art , art history , psychotherapist
Previous studies have demonstrated the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess fetal brain activity. To extend these studies, a fetal fMRI experiment using a visual stimulus has been performed at 0.5 T. This used a block fMRI paradigm with a bright, constant‐intensity light source being shone at the maternal abdomen for 8 sec followed by 16 sec of darkness. This was repeated typically 40 times on nine subjects all of whom were greater than 36 weeks gestational age. Of these, one could not be analysed due to motion, three did not show significant activation, and five showed significant activation ( P < 0.0085). In all cases, activation was localised within the frontal cortex. Exact localisation was difficult but this may correspond to the frontal eye fields and dorsolateral prefontal cortex. In no cases was significant activation present within the occipital region as would have been expected and was observed in 2/8 adult subjects. Hum. Brain Mapping 20:239–245, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.