Local field potential signal transmission is correlated with the anatomical connectivity measured by diffusion tractography

Objective In this paper we aim to examine the correlation between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of anatomical connectivity and characteristics of signal transmission obtained from patient-specific transfer function models. Here, we focused on elucidating the correlation between structural and functional neural connectivity within a cohort of patients diagnosed with dystonia. Methods DTI images were obtained from twelve patients with dystonia prior to the deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. For each patient we processed the imaging data to estimate anatomical measures including fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), number of fiber tracts per unit area (N), and fiber tract length (L). After the implantation of temporary depth leads for each patient as part of their treatment plan, intracranial signals were recorded. Transfer function models and the corresponding measures of functional connectivity were computed for each patient using local field potential (LFP) recordings. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was then employed to determine the relationship between transfer function measures and DTI parameters. Results Our results illustrate a positive correlation between FA, AD, and intrinsic neural transmission measures obtained from the transfer functions models. However, no significant correlation was found between the functional connectivity (measures computed from the transfer functions gains) and number of fiber tracts or fiber lengths. Conclusion Our findings suggest that white matter integrity, as measured by FA and AD, can potentially reflect the amplification and spread of intrinsic brain signals throughout the network. This study underscores the significant relationship between structural and functional connectivity, offering valuable insights into propagation of neural activity in the brain network and potential implications for optimizing treatments for neurological disorders. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study is funded by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (PG02518). ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Institutional review board of the Children's Health Orange County (CHOC) hospital gave ethical approval for this work. Institutional review board Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) gave ethical approval for this work. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors