Resting-state functional MRI investigation of the effect of long-term alcohol exposure on the brain function in rhesus monkey

Abstract

BackgroundThis study was aimed to investigate the effect of long-term exposure of alcohol on the resting-state brain functions in rhesus monkey by using the 3.0 T resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Materials and methodsThe animal models were developed by exposing six male rhesus monkeys to alcohol for different time points: P0 (non-exposed), P1 (1 month), P2 (3 months), P3 (6 months), and P4 (36 months). A multi-period rsfMRI scan was performed before and after exposure of animals to alcohol. The collected data were analyzed by the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and the regional homogeneity (ReHo) method, and the different brain regions were compared for their respective functions through differences in the fALFF and ReHo values. ResultsThe results showed statistical significances in different brain regions. The left superior parietal lobule and the left fusiform gyrus showed statistically different fALFF values (p < 0.01). Similarly, the left medial orbital gyrus and the right postcentral gyrus showed statistically different ReHo values (p < 0.01). ConclusionThe long-term exposure of rhesus monkeys to alcohol mainly induced changes in four parts of the brain, including the left superior parietal lobule, left fusiform gyrus, left medial orbital gyrus, and the right postcentral gyrus. These changes in different brain parts, over the study period, with most significant changes found within 6 months of exposure of rhesus monkeys to alcohol.