title: Intrinsic connectivity of neural networks in the awake rabbit.
abstract: The way in which the brain is functionally connected into different networks has emerged as an important research topic in order to understand normal neural processing and signaling. Since some experimental manipulations are difficult or unethical to perform in humans, animal models are better suited to investigate this topic. Rabbits are a species that can undergo MRI scanning in an awake and conscious state with minimal preparation and habituation. In this study, we characterized the intrinsic functional networks of the resting New Zealand White rabbit brain using BOLD fMRI data. Group independent component analysis revealed seven networks similar to those previously found in humans, non-human primates and/or rodents including the hippocampus, default mode, cerebellum, thalamus, and visual, somatosensory, and parietal cortices. For the first time, the intrinsic functional networks of the resting rabbit brain have been elucidated demonstrating the rabbit's applicability as a translational animal model. Without the confounding effects of anesthetics or sedatives, future experiments may employ rabbits to understand changes in neural connectivity and brain functioning as a result of experimental manipulation (e.g., temporary or permanent network disruption, learning-related changes, and drug administration).
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Ward Building 7-140, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Schroeder
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Ward Building 7-140, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Procissi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Ward Building 7-140, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Disterhoft
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.|Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall 1322, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D023421:Models, Animal; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits; D014851:Wakefulness
keywords: Awake animal MRI; Default mode network; Functional connectivity; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Independent component analysis