Protocol for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and tractography in ex vivo mouse models

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a powerful tool to investigate brain structure and connectivity. We present a protocol for quantitative analyses of microstructural properties and white matter pathways via tractography using ex vivo dMRI in mouse models. We describe steps for tissue preparation, postmortem brain scanning, diffusion modeling, and tractography. We detail procedures to track white matter trajectories across development and disease states. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cottam et al.¹.