Keywords: Biology, Models, Methods, Brain, neuroanatomical, pregnancy, animal, mouse model, brain volume, MRI, structural change, primiparous, nulliparous, atlas-based
Motivation: Human MRI studies show pregnancy-induced brain changes, yet mechanisms and implications remain unclear. A preclinical animal model may clarify pregnancy’s effects on brain structure, offering insights for translational research.
Goal(s): To establish a mouse model capturing structural brain changes linked to motherhood, enabling comparisons with human studies.
Approach: We conducted longitudinal MRI scans on primiparous and nulliparous mice, creating a study-specific brain template to analyze volumetric changes in brain regions.
Results: Contrary to human data, we found significant gray matter volume increases in primiparous mice, suggesting potential hormone-driven brain growth and highlighting this model’s value for further translational research.
Impact: This study an attempt to establish a foundational mouse model to explore pregnancy-related brain reorganization based on volumetric changes across brain regions. Further exploration could advance understanding of maternal brain plasticity and inform research on cognitive and emotional health postpartum.
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.
Keywords