Re-wiring the brain: Increased functional connectivity within primary somatosensory cortex following synchronous co-activation

Abstract

The primary somatosensory cortex shows precise topographical organisation, but can be quickly modified by alterations to sensory inputs. Temporally correlated sensory inputs to the digits can result in the merging of digit representations on the cortical surface. Underlying mechanisms driving these changes are unclear but the strengthening of intra-cortical synaptic connections via Hebbian mechanisms has been suggested. We use fMRI measures of temporal coherence to infer alterations in the relative strength of neuronal connections between digit regions 2 and 4 following 3. hours of synchronous and asynchronous co-activation. Following synchronous co-activation we find a 20% increase in tempo..