Tailored haemodynamic response function increases detection power of fMRI in awake dogs (Canis familiaris)

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of awake and unrestrained dogs (Canis familiaris) has been established as a novel opportunity for comparative neuroimaging, promising important insights into the evolutionary roots human brain function cognition. However, data processing analysis pipelines are often derivatives methodological standards developed which may be problematic due to profound neurophysiological anatomical differences between humans dogs. Here, we explore whether dog fMRI studies would benefit from tailored haemodynamic response (HRF). In two independent experiments, were presented with different visual stimuli. BOLD signal changes in cortex during these experiments used (a) identification estimation HRF, (b) validation resulting HRF estimate. Time course analyses revealed that primary peaked significantly earlier compared humans, while being comparable shape. Deriving improved model fit both canonical fMRI. Using yielded increased activation stimulation, extending occipital lobe caudal parietal cortex, bilateral temporal hippocampal thalamic regions. sum, our findings provide robust evidence an onset stimulation paradigms, suggest using such will increase detection power canine neuroimaging. By providing parameters related code, encourage enable other researchers validate generalize sensory modalities experimental paradigms.