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Diffusion-weighted tractography in the common marmoset monkey at 9.4T
David J Schaeffer1, Ramina Adam2, Kyle M Gilbert1
1Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; and.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|June 16, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed new MRI protocols to map white matter tracts in marmoset brains. This technique aids in studying neurological diseases using marmosets as preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The common marmoset is a valuable preclinical model for human neurological diseases.
- Understanding white matter alterations is crucial for diseases like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
- Existing methods for mapping marmoset white matter are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish in vivo protocols for isolating major white matter fiber tracts in marmosets using MRI.
- To provide guidelines for analyzing structural brain changes in marmoset disease models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultrahigh-field (9.4T) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in anesthetized marmosets.
- Employed high angular-resolution DWI with 256 diffusion-encoding directions.
- Developed manual region-of-interest drawing protocols based on anatomical landmarks.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of whole-brain diffusion-weighted tractography in marmosets.
- Successfully isolated nine major white matter fiber tracts.
- Provided reproducible protocols for fiber tract isolation.
Conclusions:
- The proposed MRI protocols enable reliable visualization and quantification of marmoset white matter tracts.
- These methods will support the advancement of marmoset models for preclinical neurological disease research.
- This work bridges the translational gap between rodent models and human patients.
