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Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Neuroanat / Equine Stereotaxtic Population Average Brain Atlas With Neur...
Frontiers in neuroanatomy2019; 13; 89; doi: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00089

Equine Stereotaxtic Population Average Brain Atlas With Neuroanatomic Correlation.

Abstract: There is growing interest in the horse for behavioral, neuroanatomic and neuroscientific research due to its large and complex brain, cognitive abilities and long lifespan making it neurologically interesting and a potential large animal model for several neuropsychological diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful neuroscientific research tool that can be performed , with adapted equine facilities, or in the research setting. The brain atlas is a fundamental resource for neuroimaging research, and have been created for a multitude animal models, however, none currently exist for the equine brain. In this study, we document the creation of a high-resolution stereotaxic population average brain atlas of the equine. The atlas was generated from nine unfixed equine cadaver brains imaged within 4 h of euthanasia in a 3-tesla MRI. The atlas was generated using linear and non-linear registration methods and quality assessed using signal and contrast to noise calculations. Tissue segmentation maps (TSMs) for white matter (WM), gray matter (GM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), were generated and manually segmented anatomic priors created for multiple subcortical brain structures. The resulting atlas was validated and correlated to gross anatomical specimens and is made freely available at as an online resource for researchers (https://doi.org/10.7298/cyrs-7b51.2). The mean volume metrics for the whole brain, GM and WM for the included subjects were documented and the effect of age and laterality assessed. Alterations in brain volume in relation to age were identified, though these variables were not found to be significantly correlated. All subjects had higher whole brain, GM and WM volumes on the right side, consistent with the well documented right forebrain dominance of horses. This atlas provides an important tool for automated processing in equine and translational neuroimaging research.
Copyright © 2019 Johnson, Janvier, Luh, FitzMaurice, Southard and Barry.
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Publication Date: 2019-10-03 PubMed ID: 31636547PubMed Central: PMC6787676DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00089Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article describes the development of a detailed brain atlas for horses, generated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of nine cadaver brains. This resource, now freely available online, is a crucial tool for equine neuroimaging research, providing insights into normal brain structures and their variations with age and side of the brain.

Methodology

  • The researchers used nine unfixed equine cadaver brains for this study, scanning them with a 3-tesla MRI within 4 hours of euthanasia to ensure high image quality.
  • Creating the atlas involved both linear and non-linear registration methods, which essentially means adjusting and aligning the brain images to create a standard model.
  • The atlas was quality assessed using signal and contrast to noise calculations to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Brain Mapping and Segmentation

  • The atlas includes tissue segmentation maps (TSMs) for white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) providing a detailed view of different brain components.
  • Further, researchers manually segmented anatomic priors for multiple subcortical brain structures to provide detailed anatomical context.

Validation and Correlation

  • The researchers validated this brain atlas and correlated it with gross anatomical specimens for increased accuracy.
  • The resulting atlas is made freely available at https://doi.org/10.7298/cyrs-7b51.2 as an online resource for researchers.

Data Analysis and Findings

  • The study documented mean volume metrics for the whole brain, GM, WM, and assessed the effect of age and laterality (right or left side of the brain).
  • A key finding was the identification of alterations in brain volume in relation to age, although these were not found to be significantly correlated.
  • The researchers observed higher whole brain, GM and WM volumes on the right side in all subjects, which is consistent with the well-documented right forebrain dominance in horses.

Significance of Research

  • The development of this high-resolution equine brain atlas is an important tool for automated processing in equine neuroimaging research.
  • It’s useful for studying normal brain structures, their variations and potential implications in neurological diseases.
  • The availability of this free online resource provides a valuable tool for researchers worldwide.

Cite This Article

APA
Johnson PJ, Janvier V, Luh WM, FitzMaurice M, Southard T, Barry EF. (2019). Equine Stereotaxtic Population Average Brain Atlas With Neuroanatomic Correlation. Front Neuroanat, 13, 89. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnana.2019.00089

Publication

Frontiers in neuroanatomy
ISSN: 1662-5129
NlmUniqueID: 101477943
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Pages: 89
PII: 89

Researcher Affiliations

Johnson, Philippa J
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
Janvier, Valentin
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
Luh, Wen-Ming
  • Cornell Magnetic Resonance Imaging Facility, Cornell College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
FitzMaurice, Marnie
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
Southard, Teresa
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
Barry, Erica F
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.

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Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
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