Considerations for resting state functional MRI and functional connectivity studies in rodents

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Comparative Medicine

Background:

• Resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is increasingly used in human neuroimaging.
• Its application is expanding to rodent research, offering translational potential.
• rs-fMRI facilitates cross-species investigation of brain function and connectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review impediments to optimal rs-fMRI application in small animals.
• To discuss differences between rodent and human rs-fMRI.
• To highlight best practices and applications of rodent rs-fMRI.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on rs-fMRI in humans and rodents.
• Identification and discussion of technical and methodological barriers.
• Comparison of rs-fMRI protocols and findings across species.

Main Results:

• Identified key barriers specific to rodent rs-fMRI.
• Detailed differences in rs-fMRI implementation and interpretation between species.
• Presented best practices for conducting rodent rs-fMRI studies.
• Reviewed diverse applications of rodent rs-fMRI in neuroscience research.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming barriers in rodent rs-fMRI is crucial for translational neuroscience.
• Standardized best practices will enhance the reliability and comparability of findings.
• Integrated human and animal rs-fMRI research promises significant advancements in understanding brain function and disease.