0510 Altered functional connectivity of the ascending reticular activating system in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract Introduction Recurrent arousals in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may lead to alteration functional connection involving the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS). We aimed evaluate resting-state connectivity (FC) between eight ARAS nuclei and 105 cortical/subcortical regions OSA patients matched controls. Methods Total of 50 with moderate severe 20 controls without underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) magnetic resonance imaging following morning. Seed voxel analysis ARAS-cortical FC was compared The included dorsal median raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus (LC), laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg), pedunculopontine pontine oralis, parabrachial complex, ventral area (VTA). Correlations average values significant clusters PSG parameters were calculated patients. Results three (LC, LDTg, VTA) significantly different group. value LC precuneus cortex, posterior cingulate gyrus, right lateral occipital cortex (LOC) increased LDTg LOC enhanced, but one VTA reduced LC-cortical positively correlated arousal index(r=0.282, p=0.047), index(r=0.325, p=0.021), or apnea-hypopnea index (r=0.302, p=0.033) Conclusion results this study support Degree noradrenergic be related severity Support (if any)