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

作者：Susumu Mori, Barbara J. Crain, V. P. Chacko, Peter C.M. van Zijl · 发表于：Annals of Neurology · 年份：1999 · DOI：10.1002/1531-8249(199902)45:2<265::aid-ana21>3.0.co;2-3 · 被引用次数：3571 · 研究领域：Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications、Advanced MRI Techniques and Applications、Functional Brain Connectivity Studies

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.