Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback allows learning voluntary control over specific brain areas by means of operant conditioning and has been shown to decrease @entity158 perception. To further increase the effect of rt-fMRI neurofeedback on @entity158 , we directly compared two different target regions of the @entity158 network, notably the @entity550 ( @entity550 ) and the @entity550 ( @entity550 ). @entity1 for this prospective study were randomly assigned to two age-matched groups of 14 @entity1 each (7 females per group) for @entity550 and @entity550 feedback. First, a functional localizer using block-design heat @entity158 stimulation was performed to define the @entity158 or @entity550 . Second, subjects were asked to down-regulate the BOLD activation in four neurofeedback runs during identical @entity158 stimulation. Data analysis included task-related and functional connectivity analysis. At the behavioral level, @entity158 ratings significantly decreased during feedback vs. localizer runs, but there was no difference between @entity550 and @entity550 groups. Concerning neuroimaging, @entity550 and @entity550 showed consistent involvement of the caudate nucleus for subjects that learned down-regulation (17/28) in both task-related and functional connectivity analysis. The functional connectivity toward the caudate nucleus is stronger for the @entity550 while the @entity550 is more heavily connected to the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. Consequently, the @entity550 and @entity550 are suitable targets for real-time fMRI neurofeedback during @entity158 perception as they both affect the caudate nucleus, although functional connectivity indicates that the direct connection seems to be stronger with the @entity550 . Additionally, the caudate, an important area involved in @entity158 perception and suppression, could be a good rt-fMRI target itself. Future studies are needed to identify parameters characterizing successful regulators and to assess the effect of repeated rt-fMRI neurofeedback on @entity158 perception.

Comparison of anterior cingulate vs. insular cortex as targets for real-time fMRI regulation during XXXX stimulation.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['participants', 'Participants'] @entity550 :: ('MESH:D000303', 'Disease') :: ['anterior insular cortex', 'ACC', 'anterior cingulate cortex', 'AIC'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain', 'pain-sensitive target region within the AIC']
@entity158 :: (MESH:D010146,Disease) :: ['pain']
