The regional cerebral blood flow pattern of the normal human brain and its factor structure

• Published in: Human physiology Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 383 - 387
• Main Authors: Kataeva, G. V., Korotkov, A. D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2007
• ISSN: 0362-1197; 1608-3164
• DOI: 10.1134/S0362119707040019

The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) pattern of the normal human brain was drawn, and its structure was studied. Relative rCBF estimates for 66 regions of interest (cerebral anatomical-functional areas) were obtained using positron emission tomography in 158 healthy subjects aged 18-49 years. The rCBF rate variation range was 89-121% of the rCBF rate averaged over all regions of interest, taken as 100%. The rCBF rates were the highest (>115%) in the paracentral lobule, precuneus, insular cortex, primary visual cortex, and Broca's area and the lowest (<95%) in the mediobasal regions of the temporal gyri and caudate nuclei. Analysis of the factor structure of the resultant pattern made it possible to classify cerebral anatomical-functional areas according to a predominant effect of one of the following factors on the interdependence between rCBF rates: (1) cytoarchitectonic characteristics; (2) the functional state of the cortex during quiet wakefulness; or (3) the brain vascular region to which the area belongs. The obtained pattern should be taken into account in both mapping of the functions of a normal brain and clinical diagnosis.