Monkeys with six months of alcohol self-administration have disrupted white matter microstructure indicated by decreased fractional anisotropy

Adult Male and female rhesus monkeys underwent 6 months of voluntary ethanol drinking following a standard protocol. DTI measurements were performed prior to ethanol exposure and following 6 months of alcohol self-administration. To determine whether white matter microstructure changes due to voluntary alcohol drinking, a voxel-wise t-test was performed on white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) at 6 months and baseline using tract-based spatial statistics. Significant FA reductions were detected in frontal white matter tracts. These results indicate that the progression of ethanol-induced brain damage observed in this animal model is consistent with observations made in studies of human alcoholics.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.