Neuroanatomy of the equine brain as revealed by high-field (3Tesla) magnetic-resonance-imaging.
Abstract: In this study, the morphology of the horse brain (Equus caballus) is decribed in detail using high field MRI. The study includes sagittal, dorsal, and transverse T2-weighted images at 0.25 mm resolution at 3 Tesla and 3D models of the brain presenting the external morphology of the brain. Representative gallocyanin stained histological slides of the same brain are presented. The images represent a useful tool for MR image interpretation in horses and may serve as a starting point for further research aiming at in vivo analysis in this species.
Publication Date: 2019-04-01 PubMed ID: 30933986PubMed Central: PMC6443180DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213814Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study provides a comprehensive depiction of the horse brain using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The use of high-field (3 Tesla) MRI enables unprecedented detail and accuracy, presenting the opportunity for enhanced interpretation and future research about horse brain anatomy.
Research Purpose and Methods
- The primary purpose of this study is to provide an elaborate description of the morphology, or structure, of the horse brain. This is achieved by utilizing high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), specifically at a strength of 3 Tesla.
- The application of this MRI strength facilitates the production of images with a resolution down to 0.25 millimeters, which provides great detail and precision in representing the horse’s brain.
- These images were captured in sagittal (side view), dorsal (top-down), and transverse (frontal) orientations, further deepening the understanding of the brain’s structure from various perspectives.
Results and Models
- In addition to the MRI images, this study also created 3D models of the horse brain to present the external morphology. These models allow for an even more thorough visualization and comprehension of the brain’s structure.
- Finally, the researchers also used gallocyanin-stained histological slides of the same brain used for MRI and 3D modeling. Gallocyanin staining involves the selective coloring of certain tissues, which helps in distinguishing and pinpointing specific components within the brain.
Contribution and Outlook
- The images and models created through this study are quite valuable for interpreting MR images in horses, presenting an advanced and accurate reference for further studies.
- Importantly, this research could serve as a jumping-off point for further exploration into in vivo (within the living organism) analysis in horses. By starting with such a well-defined baseline understanding of the horse brain, future research can proceed with more precision and confidence.
Cite This Article
APA
Schmidt MJ, Knemeyer C, Heinsen H.
(2019).
Neuroanatomy of the equine brain as revealed by high-field (3Tesla) magnetic-resonance-imaging.
PLoS One, 14(4), e0213814.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213814 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Small Animal Clinic-Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology and Clinical Neurology, Justus Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
- Small Animal Clinic-Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology and Clinical Neurology, Justus Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Center, University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany.
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Brain / anatomy & histology
- Brain / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Neuroanatomy / methods
- Veterinary Medicine / methods
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
References
This article includes 59 references
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Cartiaux B, Amara A, Pailloux N, Paumier R, Malek A, Elmehatli K, Kachout S, Bensmida B, Montel C, Arribarat G, Mogicato G. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) brain. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1231421.
- Dybdal N, Horgan M, Costa L, Davis E, Lucero S, Nieves S, Quiroz V, Weberg K, Madigan JE. Equine Gunshot Euthanasia: Creation of a 3D-Printed Model with Integrated Sensors for Training. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 9;13(16).
- Arribarat G, Cartiaux B, Boucher S, Montel C, Gros-Dagnac H, Fave Y, Péran P, Mogicato G, Deviers A. Ex vivo susceptibility-weighted imaging anatomy of canine brain-comparison of imaging and histological sections. Front Neuroanat 2022;16:948159.
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