Imaging laminar structures in the gray matter with diffusion MRI
Abstract
The cortical layers define the architecture of the gray matter and its neuroanatomical regions and are essential for brain function. Abnormalities in cortical layer development, growth patterns, organization, or size can affect brain physiology and cognition. Unfortunately, while large population studies are underway that will greatly increase our knowledge about these processes, current non-invasive techniques for characterizing the cortical layers remain inadequate. For decades, high-resolution T1 and T2 Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have been the method-of-choice for gray matter and layer characterization. In the past few years, however, diffusion MRI has shown increasing promise for its unique insights into the fine structure of the cortex. Several different methods, including surface analysis, connectivity exploration, and sub-voxel component modeling, are now capable of exploring the diffusion characteristics of the cortex. In this review, we will discuss current advances in the application of diffusion imaging for cortical characterization and its unique features, with a particular emphasis on its spatial resolution, arguably its greatest limitation. In addition, we will explore the relationship between the diffusion MRI signal and the cellular components of the cortex, as visualized by histology. While the obstacles facing the widespread application of cortical diffusion imaging remain daunting, the information it can reveal may prove invaluable. Within th…
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The main orientation/alignment of the diffusion tensor corresponds with the orientation of axons and dendrites in both neocortex and hippocampus.
“The main orientation/alignment of the diffusion tensor corresponds with the orientation of the axons and dendrites in both neocortex and hippocampus, which suggested that high resolution diffusion MRI holds the potential to detect intrinsic cortical architecture with high sensitivity (Assaf 2018).”
From Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of mouse brain microstructure (2019) · cites this paper as Assaf 2018
High resolution diffusion MRI holds the potential to detect intrinsic cortical architecture with high sensitivity.
“The main orientation/alignment of the diffusion tensor corresponds with the orientation of the axons and dendrites in both neocortex and hippocampus, which suggested that high resolution diffusion MRI holds the potential to detect intrinsic cortical architecture with high sensitivity (Assaf 2018).”
From Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of mouse brain microstructure (2019) · cites this paper as Assaf 2018
The major limitation of diffusion imaging on the cortex and hippocampus is the low level of resolution achievable compared with the actual size and the relatively lower fractional anisotropy in these regions.
“The major limitation of diffusion imaging on the cortex and hippocampus is the low level of resolution that can be achieved in comparison to the actual size and the relatively lower fractional anisotropy in these regions (Assaf 2018).”
From Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of mouse brain microstructure (2019) · cites this paper as Assaf 2018
NODDI metrics are not homogeneous throughout the neocortex; both ODI and NDI demonstrate laminar patterns.
“The NODDI metrics are not homogeneous throughout the neocortex, instead, both ODI and NDI demonstrate laminar patterns, which is consistent with previous findings in high resolution FA and MD images (Assaf 2018).”
From Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of mouse brain microstructure (2019) · cites this paper as Assaf 2018
Recent studies provide meaningful information on the microstructural characteristics of gray matter using diffusion MRI.
“However, recent studies provide meaningful information on the micro-structure characteristics of gray matter using diffusion MRI (Assaf 2018; Kleinnijenhuis et al. 2013a).”
From Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging of mouse brain microstructure (2019) · cites this paper as Assaf 2018
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“However, recent studies provide meaningful information on the microstructure characteristics of gray matter using diffusion MRI (Assaf 2018; Kleinnijenhuis et al.”
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- Authors
- Assaf, Y.
- Affiliations
- Tel Aviv University (IL)
- Corresponding author
- Assaf, Yaniv
- ORCID
- Assaf, Yaniv
- Venue
- NeuroImage
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2019-08
- Volume
- 197
- Pages
- 677-688
- ISSN
- 1053-8119 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2782213367
- Cited by
- 108
- References
- 6
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 4
- FWCI
- 1.32
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- NeuroImage (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Advanced MRI Techniques and Applications
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
- Keywords
- diffusion MRI, cortical layers, gray matter, laminar structure, cortical microstructure, surface analysis, cortical connectivity, spatial resolution, cortical development
- MeSH terms
- Cerebral Cortex, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neuroimaging, Gray Matter
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