Cellular correlates of gray matter volume changes in magnetic resonance morphometry identified by two-photon microscopy.

TitleCellular correlates of gray matter volume changes in magnetic resonance morphometry identified by two-photon microscopy.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsAsan, L, Falfán-Melgoza, C, Beretta, CA, Sack, M, Zheng, L, Weber-Fahr, W, Kuner, T, Knabbe, J
JournalSci Rep
Volume11
Issue1
Pagination4234
Date Published2021 Feb 19
ISSN2045-2322
Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain combined with voxel-based morphometry (VBM) revealed changes in gray matter volume (GMV) in various disorders. However, the cellular basis of GMV changes has remained largely unclear. We correlated changes in GMV with cellular metrics by imaging mice with MRI and two-photon in vivo microscopy at three time points within 12 weeks, taking advantage of age-dependent changes in brain structure. Imaging fluorescent cell nuclei allowed inferences on (i) physical tissue volume as determined from reference spaces outlined by nuclei, (ii) cell density, (iii) the extent of cell clustering, and (iv) the volume of cell nuclei. Our data indicate that physical tissue volume alterations only account for 13.0% of the variance in GMV change. However, when including comprehensive measurements of nucleus volume and cell density, 35.6% of the GMV variance could be explained, highlighting the influence of distinct cellular mechanisms on VBM results.

DOI10.1038/s41598-021-83491-8
Alternate JournalSci Rep
Citation Key482
PubMed ID33608622
Grant ListSFB 1158 / / German Research Foundation (DFG) /
EXC 81 / / German Research Foundation (DFG) /