Abstract:

Diffusion-tensor imaging can be used to observe the microstructure of brain tissue. Fractional ani-sotropy reflects the integrity of white matter fibers. Fractional anisotropy of a young adult brain is low in gray matter, high in white matter, and highest in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Thus, we selected the anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule, head of the caudate nucleus, semioval center, thalamus, and corpus callosum (splenium and genu) as regions of interest when using diffusion-tensor imaging to observe fractional anisotropy of major white matter fiber tracts and the deep gray matter of healthy rhesus monkeys aged 4–8 years. Results showed no laterality dif-ferences in fractional anisotropy values. Fractional anisotropy values were low in the head of cau-date nucleus and thalamus in gray matter. Fractional anisotropy values were highest in the splenium of corpus callosum in the white matter, followed by genu of the corpus callosum and the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Fractional anisotropy values were lowest in the semioval center and posterior limb of internal capsule. These results suggest that fractional anisotropy values in major white matter fibers and the deep gray matter of 4–8-year-old rhesus monkeys are similar to those of healthy young people.

Key words: neural regeneration, neuroimaging, rhesus monkey, fractional anisotropy, brain, white matter, gray matter, MRI, diffusion-tensor imaging, grants-supported paper, neuroregeneration