Lifespan Trajectories of White Matter Changes in Rhesus Monkeys

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Comparative Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Animal models are crucial for understanding brain development and disorders.
• Rhesus monkeys share genetic and aging similarities with humans, making them valuable models.
• Quantitative neuroimaging can track brain maturation and aging, but data is lacking for nonhuman primates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and model lifespan trajectories of white matter microstructure in rhesus monkeys.
• To identify in vivo biomarkers for tracking brain maturation and aging in nonhuman primates.
• To compare white matter aging patterns between rhesus monkeys and humans.

Main Methods:

• In vivo diffusion imaging was used on 44 rhesus monkeys (aged 4-27 years).
• Lifespan trajectories of white matter microstructure were analyzed and modeled.
• Quantitative parameters of 8 individual white matter tracts were reported.

Main Results:

• Distinct lifespan trajectories were identified for cellular and extracellular white matter components.
• Lifespan trajectories of white matter microstructure were mapped across different brain tracts.
• Differences and similarities in maturation and aging were observed between rhesus monkeys and humans.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first lifespan trajectories of white matter microstructure in rhesus monkeys.
• Findings offer insights into primate brain aging and potential biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders.
• The results facilitate comparative studies between human and nonhuman primate brain development and aging.