Resonant waves drive long-range correlations in fMRI signals

Spontaneous fluctuations in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) signals correlate across distant brain areas, shaping functionally relevant intrinsic networks. However, the generative mechanism of fMRI signal correlations - and in particular their link with locally-detected ultra-slow oscillations - remain unclear. To investigate this link, we record ultrafast ultrahigh field fMRI signals (9.4 Tesla, temporal resolution = 38 milliseconds) from rat brains across three anesthesia conditions. Power at frequencies extending up to 0.3 Hz is detected consistently across rat brains, and is modulated by anesthesia level. Principal component analysis reveals a repertoire of modes, in which transient oscillations organize with fixed phase relationships across distinct cortical and subcortical structures. Oscillatory modes are found to vary between conditions, resonating at faster frequencies under medetomidine sedation and reducing both in number, frequency, and duration with the addition of isoflurane. Peaking in power within clear anatomical boundaries, these oscillatory modes point to an emergent systemic property, questioning current assumptions regarding the local origin of oscillations detected in fMRI and providing novel insights into the organizing principles underpinning spontaneous long-range functional connectivity. One Sentence SummaryOscillations in fMRI signals organize in stationary wave patterns driving condition-specific long-range correlations across brain structures