Altered Coactive Micropattern Connectivity in the Default-Mode Network during the Sleep-Wake Cycle

Abstract EN

The default-mode network (DMN) is believed to be associated with levels of consciousness, but how the functional connectivity (FC) of the DMN changes across different states of consciousness is still unclear.

In the current work, we addressed this issue by exploring the coactive micropattern (CAMP) networks of the DMN according to the CAMPs of rat DMN activity during the sleep-wake cycle and tracking their topological alterations among different states of consciousness.

Three CAMP networks were observed in DMN activity, and they displayed greater FC and higher efficiency than the original DMN structure in all states of consciousness, implying more efficient information processing in the CAMP networks.

Furthermore, no significant differences in FC or network properties were found among the three CAMP networks in the waking state.

However, the three networks were distinct in their characteristics in two sleep states, indicating that different CAMP networks played specific roles in distinct sleep states.

In addition, we found that the changes in the FC and network properties of the CAMP networks were similar to those in the original DMN structure, suggesting intrinsic effects of various states of consciousness on DMN dynamics.

Our findings revealed three underlying CAMP networks within the DMN dynamics and deepened the current knowledge concerning FC alterations in the DMN during conscious changes in the sleep-wake cycle.