Key result
Functional MRI non-invasively maps the central autonomic network and its interactions with arousal and memory.
Why the study?
Animal findings on autonomic regulation networks only partly transfer to humans, but non-invasive MRI approaches now allow exploring CNS involvement in human autonomic regulation.
This review summarizes methodological developments in using MRI to study central nervous system involvement in human autonomic regulation.
May advance research on autonomic-arousal-memory links; leaves open standardization for clinical autonomic assessment.
To support healthy bodily functioning over a great variety of physiological and psychological conditions, mammalian autonomic regulation (AR) relies on a highly complex and incompletely explored nervous network that includes components of central and peripheral nervous systems. While, in animal, many components of this network and their interactions have been mapped with invasive electrophysiology and optical studies as well as with staining and tracing techniques, these findings only partly transfer the human. With the advent of non-invasive neuroimaging approaches based on MRI, much is being learned about AR in human, including the extent of CNS involvement, and the potential relevance of AR for memory function and brain waste clearance. In this review, some of these developments are highlighted, with an emphasis on methodological aspects.
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Jeff Duyn (2026) conducted a review in Autonomic regulation. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods was evaluated. MRI methods, particularly functional MRI, enable the non-invasive mapping of the central autonomic network in humans and reveal its complex interactions with arousal state and memory function.
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