Mean Diffusivity in the Dopaminergic System and Neural Differences Related to Dopaminergic System.

Hikaru Takeuchi, Ryuta Kawashima

Journal: Current neuropharmacology 2018;16(4):460-474

PMID: 29119929

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

The mean diffusivity (MD) parameter obtained by diffusion tensor imaging provides a measure of how freely water molecules move in brain tissue. Greater tissue density conferred by closely arrayed cellular structures is assumed to lower MD by inhibiting the free diffusion of water molecules.

METHODS

In this paper, we review studies showing MD variation among regions of the brain dopaminergic system (MDDS), especially subcortical structures such as the putamen, caudate nucleus, and globus pallidus, in different conditions with known associations to dopaminergic system function or dysfunction. The methodologies and background related to MD and MDDS are also discussed.

RESULTS

Past studies indicate that MDDS is sensitive to pathological derangement of dopaminergic activity, neural changes caused by cognitive and pharmacological interventions that are known to affect the dopaminergic system, and individual character traits related to dopaminergic function.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that MDDS can be one useful tool to tap the neural differences related to the dopaminergic system.

Address: Division of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.; Smart Ageing International Research Center, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.; Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.

DOI: 10.2174/1570159X15666171109124839