Laminar fMRI in the locked-in stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis shows preserved activity in layer Vb of primary motor cortex

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the cerebral cortex layer-dependently, most notably by the foremost targeting of upper motor neurons (UMNs) sited in layer Vb. Previous studies have shown a retained ability of paralysed patients to activate residual cortical motor networks, even in late-stage ALS. However, it is currently unknown whether such activation reflects a retained capacity to process sensorimotor inputs or if it is a result of actual motor output. Given the distinct function of individual cortical layers, layer-specific functional measurements may provide insight to this question. In this study, using submillimetre resolution laminar fMRI, we assessed the layer-dependent activation associated with attempted (motor) and passive (somatosensory) movements in a locked-in stage ALS patient. We found robust activation in both superficial and deep layers of primary motor cortex. The peak activation in deep layers was localised to layer Vb. These findings demonstrate preserved activity in deep output layers of M1, possibly reflecting a retained ability to engage residual UMNs despite years of paralysis. Our study underscores the capacity of laminar fMRI to discern subtle cortical activity and elucidates a promising pathway for probing in vivo human ALS pathology with unprecedented resolution.