Three-dimensional tracking of axonal projections in the brain by magnetic resonance imaging

TLDR

Brain structure and complex behavior are linked by large‑scale neurocognitive networks, and a noninvasive method to visualize neuronal projections could unlock new insights into brain function. The study seeks to develop a noninvasive technique that visualizes neuronal projections connecting functional centers to enhance understanding of brain function. High‑resolution 3‑D diffusion MRI combined with a novel tracking algorithm was employed to probe neuronal pathways in the rat brain in situ. The technique accurately identified neuronal pathways that matched known anatomical locations. Ann Neurol 1999;45:265–269.

Abstract

The relationship between brain structure and complex behavior is governed by large-scale neurocognitive networks. The availability of a noninvasive technique that can visualize the neuronal projections connecting the functional centers should therefore provide new keys to the understanding of brain function. By using high-resolution three-dimensional diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and a newly designed tracking approach, we show that neuronal pathways in the rat brain can be probed in situ. The results are validated through comparison with known anatomical locations of such fibers. Ann Neurol 1999;45:265–269