Anterior insula regulates brain network transitions that gate conscious access

• DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109081
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04T14:30:43Z
• Authors: Zirui Huang; Vijay Tarnal; Phillip E. Vlisides; Ellen L. Janke; Amy M. McKinney; Paul Picton; George A. Mashour; Anthony G. Hudetz
• Keywords: Sensory gating; Insular cortex; Association (psychology); Task-positive network; Forebrain

Conscious access to sensory information is likely gated at an intermediate site between primary and transmodal association cortices, but the structure responsible remains unknown. We perform functional neuroimaging determine neural correlates of conscious using a volitional mental imagery task, report paradigm not confounded by motor behavior. Titrating propofol loss behavioral responsiveness in healthy volunteers creates dysfunction anterior insular cortex (AIC) with impairment dynamic transitions default-mode dorsal attention networks. Candidate subcortical regions mediating gating or arousal (thalamus, basal forebrain) fail show this association. The role AIC consistent findings awake participants, whose predicted pre-stimulus activity near perceptual threshold. These data support hypothesis that AIC, situated position cortical hierarchy, regulates brain network gate access.