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

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is crucial for understanding brain structure and connectivity.
• Ex vivo dMRI in mouse models offers a controlled environment for detailed microstructural analysis.
• Existing protocols may require refinement for comprehensive quantitative analysis of white matter.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a detailed protocol for quantitative analysis of microstructural properties using ex vivo dMRI in mouse models.
• To describe methods for white matter pathway investigation via tractography in postmortem mouse brains.
• To enable tracking of white matter trajectories across developmental and disease states.

Main Methods:

• Tissue preparation for ex vivo dMRI scanning.
• Postmortem brain scanning procedures for mouse models.
• Diffusion modeling and tractography for white matter pathway reconstruction.
• Quantitative analysis of microstructural properties.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive protocol for ex vivo dMRI analysis in mice is established.
• The protocol allows for detailed mapping of white matter architecture.
• Methods are validated for tracking changes in white matter over time and in disease contexts.

Conclusions:

• The presented protocol provides a robust framework for quantitative ex vivo dMRI analysis in mouse models.
• This methodology facilitates in-depth investigation of brain development and neuropathology.
• The protocol serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying white matter structure and function.