Fixel-based analysis of multi-shell diffusion MRI reveals white matter changes after long-duration spaceflight
Motivation: The effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system, and in particular the brain’s white matter (WM), are poorly understood. Goal(s): To gain knowledge about the effect of long-duration spaceflight on the brain's WM. Approach: We performed the first fixel-based analysis of diffusion MRI scans of 18 cosmonauts before and after long-duration spaceflight. Results: We show widespread changes in the WM after spaceflight, which are predominantly macroscopic rather than microscopic. Moreover, we detect a net increase in the amount of WM fibers in the left superior and left middle cerebellar peduncles, providing evidence for neuroplasticity in the brain induced by long-duration spaceflight. Impact: Better understanding and monitoring of the effect of space flight on the brain is crucial to ensure the health of space crews and their performance during long-duration space missions.
Authors
- Ekaterina Pechenkova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3409-3703)
- Peter zu Eulenburg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3729-4570)
- Victor Petrovichev (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8391-2771)
- Ben Jeurissen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3488-9819)
- Jan Sijbers (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4225-2487)
- Steven Jillings (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7298-8925)
- Angelique Van Ombergen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3977-4279)
- Elena Tomilovskaya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9030-6876)
- Ilya Rukavishnikov (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1003-9219)
- Floris L. Wuyts (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4485-6412)
- Diana Giraldo
Publication Details
- Journal
- Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition
- Published
- 2024-11-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.58530/2024/2057
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00