Brain Functional Connectivity Correlates of Response in the 7.5% CO(2) Inhalational Model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: The 7.5% CO(2) inhalational model can be used to explore potential treatments for generalized anxiety disorder. However, it is unknown how inter-individual variability in the functional architecture of negative affective valence systems might relate to anxiogenic response in this model. METHODS: A total of 13 healthy volunteers underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a passive emotional face perception task. We explored task-evoked functional connectivity in the potential threat system through generalized psychophysiological interaction analysis. Within 7 days, these participants underwent prolonged 7.5% CO(2) inhalation, and results from the generalized psychophysiological interaction analysis were correlated with CO(2) outcome measures. RESULTS: Functional connectivity between ventromedial prefrontal cortex and right amygdala positively correlated with heart rate and subjective anxiety, while connectivity between midcingulate cortex and left amygdala negatively correlated with anxiety during CO(2) challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Response to CO(2) challenge correlated with task-evoked functional connectivity in the potential threat system. Further studies should assess whether this translates into clinical populations.