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01-03-2019 | Methods Paper

High-resolution imaging of distinct human corpus callosum microstructure and topography of structural connectivity to cortices at high field

Authors: Byeong-Yeul Lee, Xiao-Hong Zhu, Xiufeng Li, Wei Chen

Published in: Brain Structure and Function | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Characterization of the microstructural properties and topography of the human corpus callosum (CC) is key to understanding interhemispheric neural communication and brain function. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that high-resolution T₁ relaxometry at high field has adequate sensitivity and specificity for characterizing microstructural properties of the human CC, and elucidating the structural connectivity of the callosal fibers to the cortices of origin. The high-resolution parametric T₁ images acquired from healthy subjects (N = 16) at 7 T clearly showed a consistent T₁ distribution among individuals with substantial variation along the human CC axis, which is highly similar to the spatial patterns of myelin density and myelinated axon size based on the histology study. Compared to the anterior part of the CC, the posterior midbody and splenium had significantly higher T₁ values. In conjunction with T₁-based classification method, the splenial T₁ values were decoded more reliably compared to a conventional partitioning method, showing a much higher T₁ value in the inferior splenium than in the middle/superior splenium. Moreover, the T₁ profile of the callosal subdivision represented the topology of the fiber connectivity to the projected cortical regions: the fibers in the posterior midbody and inferior splenium with a higher T₁ (inferring a larger axon size) were mainly connected to motor–sensory and visual cortical areas, respectively; in contrast, the fibers in the anterior/posterior CC with a lower T₁ (inferring a smaller axon size) were primarily connected to the frontal/parietal–temporal areas. These findings indicate that high-resolution T₁ relaxometry imaging could provide a complementary and robust neuroimaging tool, useful for exploring the complex tissue properties and topographic organization of the human corpus callosum.

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Title: High-resolution imaging of distinct human corpus callosum microstructure and topography of structural connectivity to cortices at high field
Authors: Byeong-Yeul Lee
Xiao-Hong Zhu
Xiufeng Li
Wei Chen
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Brain Structure and Function / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1863-2653
Electronic ISSN: 1863-2661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-018-1804-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

High-resolution imaging of distinct human corpus callosum microstructure and topography of structural connectivity to cortices at high field

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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