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Review
. 2019 Dec;29(6):555-566.
doi: 10.1007/s10286-018-0577-0. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Functional neuroimaging of the central autonomic network: recent developments and clinical implications

Miriam Sklerov  1 , Eran Dayan  2 , Nina Browner  3
Affiliations
Review

Functional neuroimaging of the central autonomic network: recent developments and clinical implications

Miriam Sklerov et al. Clin Auton Res. 2019 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: The central autonomic network (CAN) is an intricate system of brainstem, subcortical, and cortical structures that play key roles in the function of the autonomic nervous system. Prior to the advent of functional neuroimaging, in vivo studies of the human CAN were limited. The purpose of this review is to highlight the contribution of functional neuroimaging, specifically functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to the study of the CAN, and to discuss recent advances in this area. Additionally, we aim to emphasize exciting areas for future research.

Methods: We reviewed the existing literature in functional neuroimaging of the CAN. Here, we focus on fMRI research conducted in healthy human subjects, as well as research that has been done in disease states, to understand CAN function. To minimize confounding, papers examining CAN function in the context of cognition, emotion, pain, and affective disorders were excluded.

Results: fMRI has led to significant advances in the understanding of human CAN function. The CAN is composed of widespread brainstem and forebrain structures that are intricately connected and play key roles in reflexive and modulatory control of autonomic function.

Conclusions: fMRI technology has contributed extensively to current knowledge of CAN function. It holds promise to serve as a biomarker in disease states. With ongoing advancements in fMRI technology, there is great opportunity and need for future research involving the CAN.

Keywords: Central autonomic network; Functional neuroimaging; fMRI.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Brain structures currently implicated in the CAN. Not shown: Amygdala, hippocampus. ACC anterior cingulate cortex, MPFC medial prefrontal cortex, PAG periaqueductal gray
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Illustration of common functional MRI protocols. a Block-design task-based protocol. b Event-related task-based protocol. c Resting-state protocol. See text for a detailed description of each type of protocol
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Where is the brain in all of this?
    Macefield VG. Macefield VG. Clin Auton Res. 2019 Dec;29(6):553. doi: 10.1007/s10286-019-00601-3. Epub 2019 Mar 9. Clin Auton Res. 2019. PMID: 30852699 No abstract available.

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