Participation of the caudal cerebellar lobule IX to the dorsal attentional network

Ramanoel Stephen,Habas Christophe,York Elizabeth

doi:10.1186/s40673-018-0088-8

Abstract

BackgroundWe seeked for specific cerebellar contribution within the dorsal attentional network (DAN), using Independent Component Analysis (ICA).MethodsICA-based analysis was performed on brain resting-state functional images of 19 volunteers.ResultsWe confirmed that DAN includes bilaterally: lobules VI-VII (crus I) and VIIB-VIIIA, as previously reported by Region-Of-Interest (ROI)-based functional connectivity studies. We also found that lobule IX (tonsillae), and as well as the superior and, likely, inferior colliculi. Also belong to DAN. The part of lobule IX in relation to DAN is located more caudally and laterally, and less extensive than the more rostral part of this lobule belonging to the default-mode network (DMN).ConclusionRostral and caudal tonsillae partake in the DMN and DAN, respectively. The latter could subserve either eye movement control in relation to the oculomotor parieto-frontal network, partially congruent with the DAN, or more cognitive functions due to functional reallocation within the DAN.

Highlights

We seeked for specific cerebellar contribution within the dorsal attentional network (DAN), using Independent Component Analysis (ICA)
Using ROI-based functional connectivity at rest, and an attentional task-based fMRI paradigm, Brissenden et al [5] demonstrated that cerebellar lobules VIIb and VIIIa take part in the DAN, in line with Buckner et al [3]
Functional data The seventh ICA component corresponds to the dorsal attentional network including (Figs. 1a-d and 2): cerebellum (Table 1), superior colliculi, Fig. 1 Multisubject spatial map (N = 19) of two components computed by ICA analysis and showing the dorsal attentional (a1-a3, b1-b4, c) and the default-mode networks (d-e). a axial slices passing through the encephalon. b and e

Summary

Introduction

We seeked for specific cerebellar contribution within the dorsal attentional network (DAN), using Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Conclusion: Rostral and caudal tonsillae partake in the DMN and DAN, respectively The latter could subserve either eye movement control in relation to the oculomotor parieto-frontal network, partially congruent with the DAN, or more cognitive functions due to functional reallocation within the DAN. DAN is involved in environmental salient signal filtering, cue detection in relation to performance feed-back, subsequent (top-down) central attentional reallocation to salient or task-relevant stimuli, and working memory. This network largely overlaps with the circuit controlling (saccadic) eye movements (Corbetta et al [6]) at the cortical level.

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