Rapid Postnatal Expansion of Neural Networks Occurs in an Environment of Altered Neurovascular and Neurometabolic Coupling

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2363-15.2016
• Publication Date: 2016-06-23T23:54:28Z
• Authors: Mariel G. Kozberg; Ying Ma; Mohammed A. Shaik; Sharon H. Kim; Elizabeth M. C. H...
• Keywords: Stimulus (psychology); Haemodynamic response; Functional Imaging; Premovement neuronal activity; Blood-oxygen-level dependent

In the adult brain, increases in neural activity lead to local blood flow. However, many prior measurements of functional hemodynamics neonatal including magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) human infants, have noted altered and even inverted hemodynamic responses stimuli. Here, we demonstrate that localized early postnatal mice does not evoke flow as elucidate metabolic correlates these a function developmental age. Using wide-field GCaMP imaging, development somatosensory stimulus is visualized over entire bilaterally exposed cortex. Neural are observed progress from tightly localized, unilateral maps bilateral interhemispheric connectivity becomes established. Simultaneous confirms spatiotemporally coupled hyperemia present during stages brain development, develops gradually cortical Exploring consequences this lack hyperemia, oxidative metabolism via flavoprotein fluorescence suggest depletes oxygen below baseline levels at stages. Analysis hemoglobin oxygenation dynamics same age depletion for both stimulus-evoked resting-state activity. This state unmet demand network poses new questions about mechanisms neurovascular its role normal abnormal development. These results also provide important insights interpretation fMRI studies developing brain.This work demonstrates neuronal accompanied by regulate response Novel vivo reveals that, mouse strong fail increases, leading which become locally depleted. occurs an environment energy availability itself may play shaping findings implications understanding pathophysiology trajectories, data acquired brain.