Sex differences in functional brain networks involved in interoception: An fMRI study

• DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1130025
• Publication Date: 2023-03-14T04:41:28Z
• Authors: Vincenzo Alfano; Carlo Cavaliere; Angelica Di Cecca; Giuseppina Ciccar...; Marco Salvatore; Marco Aiello; Giovanni Federico
• Keywords: Interoception; Salience (neuroscience); Partial correlation

Interoception can be described as the ability to perceive inner body sensations and it is different between biological sex. However, no previous research correlated this with brain functional connectivity (FC) males females. In study, we used resting-state magnetic resonance imaging investigate FC of networks involved in interoception among females a sample healthy volunteers matched for age. total, 67 participants (34 females, mean age 44.2; 33 males, 37.2) underwent MRI session completed Self-Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ) that tests interoceptive awareness. To assess effect sex on scores obtained SAQ performed multivariate analysis variance. A whole-brain seed-to-seed was conducted correlation score FC, then test differences covariate. MANOVA revealed significant difference higher values second ones. Also, correlations Salience network fronto-temporo-parietal areas have been detected, sharp prevalence female. These results support idea female advantage attention toward sensations, suggesting common inter-network concur create sense self.