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Diffusion tensor fiber tracking shows distinct corticostriatal circuits in humans
Author(s) -
Lehéricy Stéphane,
Ducros Mathieu,
Van De Moortele PierreFrançois,
Francois Chantal,
Thivard Lionel,
Poupon Cyril,
Swindale Nick,
Ugurbil Kamil,
Kim DaeShik
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.20030
Subject(s) - neuroscience , diffusion mri , striatum , tracing , functional magnetic resonance imaging , psychology , computer science , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , dopamine , radiology , operating system
A landmark of corticostriatal connectivity in nonhuman primates is that cortical connections are organized into a set of discrete circuits. Each circuit is assumed to perform distinct behavioral functions. In animals, most connectivity studies are performed using invasive tracing methods, which are nonapplicable in humans. To test the proposal that corticostriatal connections are organized as multiple circuits in humans, we used diffusion tensor imaging axonal tracking, a new magnetic resonance technique that allows demonstration of fiber tracts in a noninvasive manner. Diffusion tensor imaging–based fiber tracking showed that the posterior (sensorimotor), anterior (associative), and ventral (limbic) compartments of the human striatum have specific connections with the cortex, and particularly the frontal lobes. These results provide the first direct demonstration of distinct corticostriatal connections in humans.