Meeting Banner
Abstract #2804

Reproducibility and Variation in Diffusion Measures of the In Vivo and Ex Vivo Squirrel Monkey Brain

Kurt Schilling 1 , Yurui Gao 1 , Iwona Stepniewska 2 , Ann S Choe 1 , Bennett A Landman 3 , and Adam W Anderson 1

1 VUIIS, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States, 2 Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nasvhille, United States, 3 Electrical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States

Here, we characterize the diffusion properties of the squirrel monkey brain. We find the reproducibility of the mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and primary eigenvector is comparable to that of human DTI studies, establishing the validity of quantitative cross-sectional and longitudinal DTI studies on the squirrel monkey. Second, the relationship between in vivo and ex vivo is considered. We confirm that death and fixation causes significant changes to the tissue microstructural properties that have a notable effect on diffusion MRI, specifically a decreased mean diffusivity and an increased fractional anisotropy. Finally, we provide the normal values of diffusion indices in a variety of both white and gray matter regions of interest. This study serves as the basis for using the squirrel monkey for diffusion MRI studies, supporting the use of ex vivo DTI, as well as subsequent histology, as a means of understanding image contrast seen on the in vivo scans.

This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.

Join Here