Resting-State Functional Connectivity Imaging and Nicotine Dependence

Abstract

Abstract The neurological effects of nicotine can be observed even during moments of unchallenged rest. In this resting-state condition, fluctuations of brain activity are observed at low frequencies presenting important patterns of coactivations. These coactivations are regarded as functional connectivity. Disruptions of brain connectivity have been linked to the presence of neurological dysfunctions in subjects with different types of addiction. In particular, nicotine affects functional connectivity on areas commonly associated with addiction such as the insula and the anterior cingulate cortex. Nicotine also affects the functional balance of the resting-state brain networks including the default mode, the executive control, and the salience networks. The following summary focuses on nicotine and its effects exerted on the main brain networks involved in resting-state functional connectivity.