fMRI順応法による動き情報処理の脳内機構の研究(運動視の諸現象とメカニズム,第26回大会 シンポジウム1)

抄録

We can infer functional specificity of a specific brain area beyond the limit of spatial resolution of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) by using the method of fMRI adaptation (fMRI-A). Here, I will summarise the basics of fMRI-A and report our results on motion perception. In one study, we have revealed that first-order (luminance modulation) and second-order (contrast modulation) motions are separately processed in human MT complex (hMT+) by showing separate fMRI adaptation effects for them. In another study, we have shown specificity to global flow patterns of expansion and rotation in hMT/MST. There are some problems in fMRI-A, some of which are common among general adaptation or general fMRI experiments. Nonetheless, fMRI-A is certainly a powerful method and will allow us further understanding of brain functions.