Journal Article

PreJuSER-20154

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png A novel approach to the human connectome: ultra-high resolution mapping of fiber tracts in the brain

Axer, M.FZJ* ; Amunts, K.FZJ* ; Grässel, D.FZJ* ; Palm, C.FZJ* ; Dammers, J.FZJ* ; Axer, H.FZJ* ; Pietrzyk, U.FZJ* ; Zilles, K.FZJ*

2011
Academic Press Orlando, Fla.

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.08.075

Abstract: Signal transmission between different brain regions requires connecting fiber tracts, the structural basis of the human connectome. In contrast to animal brains, where a multitude of tract tracing methods can be used, magnetic resonance (MR)-based diffusion imaging is presently the only promising approach to study fiber tracts between specific human brain regions. However, this procedure has various inherent restrictions caused by its relatively low spatial resolution. Here, we introduce 3D-polarized light imaging (3D-PLI) to map the three-dimensional course of fiber tracts in the human brain with a resolution at a submillimeter scale based on a voxel size of 100 μm isotropic or less. 3D-PLI demonstrates nerve fibers by utilizing their intrinsic birefringence of myelin sheaths surrounding axons. This optical method enables the demonstration of 3D fiber orientations in serial microtome sections of entire human brains. Examples for the feasibility of this novel approach are given here. 3D-PLI enables the study of brain regions of intense fiber crossing in unprecedented detail, and provides an independent evaluation of fiber tracts derived from diffusion imaging data.

Keyword(s): Birefringence (MeSH) ; Brain: ultrastructure (MeSH) ; Brain Mapping: methods (MeSH) ; Humans (MeSH) ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted: methods (MeSH) ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional: methods (MeSH) ; Nerve Fibers: ultrastructure (MeSH) ; Neural Pathways: anatomy & histology (MeSH) ; J ; Connectome (auto) ; Human brain (auto) ; Method (auto) ; Polarized light imaging (auto) ; Tractography (auto) ; Systems biology (auto)

Note: We would like to thank M. Cremer, F. Kocaer and H. Mohlberg, Research Centre Julich, Germany, and U. Blohm and U. Opfermann, University Dusseldorf, Germany, for excellent technical assistance and preparation of the histological sections. Our work was partly supported by the Initiative and Network Fund of the Helmholtz Association within the Helmholtz Alliance on Systems Biology ("Human Brain Model").

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Physik der Medizinischen Bildgebung (INM-4)
2. Strukturelle und funktionelle Organisation des Gehirns (INM-1)
3. Molekulare Organisation des Gehirns (INM-2)

Research Program(s):

1. Neurowissenschaften (FUEK255) (FUEK255)
2. 333 - Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases (POF2-333) (POF2-333)

Appears in the scientific report 2011

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