Boujraf Saïd, Benajiba N, Belahsen F, Tizniti S, Garey L J
Biophysics and MRI Methods Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Fez, Morocco.
Exp Brain Res. 2006 Aug;173(2):318-21. doi: 10.1007/s00221-006-0500-0. Epub 2006 May 19.
We investigated the effect of a restricted diet model on activity in the human motor cortex using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Two series of blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)-fMRI measurements were made in healthy subjects performing simple motor tasks using their right hands. The first series was done 5-10 days prior to the restricted diet schedule (controls), and the second series was performed after 25-28 days of restricted diet, in the form of a religious fast (Ramadan). The size and intensity of the activated area in the motor cortex increased during the time of restricted diet versus the controls. We conclude that restricted diet has a significant effect on cerebral activity, as shown by BOLD-fMRI, although the exact relationship between the images and neuronal activity due to the restricted diet is still to be determined.
