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In vivo high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging of the mouse brain
Dan Wu1, Jiadi Xu, Michael T McMahon
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Neuroimage
|June 18, 2013
Summary
High-resolution in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the mouse brain was achieved using a cryogenic probe and advanced MRI techniques. This breakthrough enables non-invasive examination of small brain structures, crucial for basic research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is vital for characterizing mouse models in basic research.
- Current in vivo DTI of mouse brains is limited by resolution.
- High-resolution imaging is typically restricted to ex vivo studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate in vivo high-resolution DTI of the laboratory mouse brain.
- To develop an in vivo DTI atlas of the adult mouse brain.
- To compare in vivo and ex vivo DTI data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a cryogenic probe and a modified diffusion-weighted gradient and spin echo (GRASE) sequence at 11.7 T.
- Acquired 3D DTI data of the entire mouse brain at 0.125 mm isotropic resolution.
- Developed a DTI atlas with 60 structure segmentations from eight adult mice.
Main Results:
- Achieved in vivo high-resolution DTI (0.125 mm isotropic) of the mouse brain in approximately 2 hours.
- Enabled non-invasive examination of small adult and neonatal mouse brain structures.
- Created a group-averaged in vivo adult mouse brain DTI atlas.
Conclusions:
- In vivo high-resolution DTI is now feasible for mouse brains, previously only possible ex vivo.
- Significant differences between in vivo and ex vivo DTI data highlight the importance of in vivo atlases.
- This technique advances anatomical characterization of mouse models in neuroscience research.
