The SIGMA rat brain templates and atlases for multimodal MRI data analysis and visualization

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Preclinical research
• Comparative neuroanatomy

Background:

• Preclinical imaging provides unique insights into brain structures and functions.
• Current neuroimaging techniques for rat brains lack standardized tools like templates and atlases.
• This deficiency hinders detailed investigations and data comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) templates for the rat brain.
• To develop associated probabilistic maps for gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid.
• To generate comprehensive anatomical and functional 3D brain atlases for preclinical research.

Main Methods:

• Generation of ex vivo [Formula: see text]-weighted and in vivo T2-weighted MRI scans of rat brains.
• Processing images to achieve high isotropic resolutions (90 µm and 150 µm).
• Integration and merging of existing atlases (Waxholm and Tohoku) to create new anatomical and functional atlases.
• Analysis of resting-state functional MRI data for functional atlas development.

Main Results:

• Two high-resolution rat brain MRI templates were created.
• Associated probability maps for tissue types (gray matter, white matter, CSF) were generated.
• Combined anatomical and functional 3D atlases are now available.
• The resources are compatible with common neuroimaging software.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive set of preclinical MRI reference resources for the rat brain has been established.
• These tools facilitate standardized investigation of rat brain anatomy and function.
• The developed resources address the need for dedicated neuroimaging tools in preclinical research.