Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
Presentation Number: | 43.11 |
---|---|
Abstract Title: | Longitudinal MRI study of Rhesus monkey brain maturation. |
Authors: |
Heuer, E. D.*1
; Mohan, R. C.1
; Saunders, R. C.1
; Malkova, L.1,2
1Lab. of Neuropsychol., Natl. Inst. of Mental Hlth., Bethesda, MD 2DC, Bldg 49 Rm 1B80, 20718, |
Primary Theme and Topics |
Development - Comparative and evolutionary neuroscience |
Session: |
43. Comparative & Evolutionary Neuroscience Poster |
Presentation Time: | Saturday, November 8, 2003 3:00 PM-4:00 PM |
Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # D51 |
Keywords: | development, magnetic resonance imaging |
Monkeys have been used widely to model human neurobiological and cognitive development. To examine early brain development a group of eight Rhesus monkeys (Macacca mulatta) were scanned repeatedly from the ages of 1 wk to 5 yrs on a GE 1.5 T Signa MR scanner. Each monkey received 8-20 (mean 14) whole brain T1-weighted structural scans in the horizontal plane using a 3-D volume SPGR pulse sequence (FOV 110 mm; slice thickness 1mm). An additional 8 adult monkeys were scanned to increase the number of cases at ages 36 and 60 months. Using the MedX image analysis program skull and extracranial structures were removed and the brain volumes calculated by two independent observers (inter-observer reliability r=0.84, p< 0.001). Total brain volumes at 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 60 months were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measures resulting in a significant effect of age (F=50.8, p (corrected)< 0.001). Brain volumes showed a significant increase from 1 week to 2 years of 59% with no significant increases thereafter. The greatest increase of 22% was observed from 1 week to 1 month with smaller but significant increases observed between 8 to 12 months (5%) and 12 to 24 months (3%). In comparison longitudinal and cross-sectional MRI studies in human subjects have determined that brain volume increases from birth to its maximum at adolescence (27%). In monkeys, a robust maturation of white matter also occurred between 1 week, at which the only easily identifiable fiber tracts were internal capsule and optic radiations, and 3 months, at which most fiber tracts were visible, with a gradual increase in size and gray/white differentiation up to about 8-9 months. The developmental increase in brain volume in monkeys parallels that of humans by reaching its maximum around the age of sexual maturity (in macaques 2-3 years).
Supported by Supported by NIMH IRP and NIH grant HD39937.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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