High-resolution photoacoustic tomography of resting-state functional connectivity in the mouse brain

TLDR

Resting‑state functional connectivity is altered in many brain disorders, yet existing imaging techniques are not easily applicable to mice, the most widely used model species. The study aims to demonstrate the unique strengths of functional connectivity photoacoustic tomography (fcPAT) for imaging mouse brain RSFC. The authors developed a noninvasive fcPAT system using optical excitation and acoustic detection to image mouse brain RSFC with a large field of view and high spatial resolution. Experimental results show that fcPAT provides high‑resolution, large‑field RSFC imaging in mice, and the method is anticipated to attract broad interest across related research fields.

Abstract

Significance Clinical studies have demonstrated that resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) is altered in many brain disorders. However, current RSFC imaging techniques cannot be easily applied to mice, the most widely used model species for human brain disease studies. Utilizing optical excitation and acoustic detection, we have developed a functional connectivity photoacoustic tomography (fcPAT) system, which allows noninvasive imaging of RSFC in the mouse brain, with a large field of view and high spatial resolution. In this article, we describe the unique strengths of fcPAT, as demonstrated by our experimental results. Considering the tremendous amount of brain research in mouse models, this work will elicit broad interest in many related fields.