[Article] A temporal sequence of thalamic activity unfolds at transitions in behavioral arousal state

Summary: This study measured sub-second activity within thalamocortical networks and nine thalamic nuclei in the human brain during spontaneous transitions in behavioral arousal state, using ultra-high field fast fMRI. The research discovered a stereotyped sequence of activity across thalamic nuclei and the cingulate cortex that preceded behavioral arousal after a period of inactivity, followed by widespread deactivation. These thalamic dynamics were linked to whether participants subsequently fell back into unresponsiveness, with unified thalamic activation reflecting the maintenance of behavior. Setzer, B., Fultz, N.E., Gomez, D.E.P. et al. A temporal sequence of thalamic activity unfolds at transitions in behavioral arousal state. Nat Commun 13, 5442 (2022).