Advances in Non-Invasive Myelin Imaging.
Heath F., Hurley SA., Johansen-Berg H., Sampaio-Baptista C.
Myelin is important for the normal development and healthy function of the nervous system. Recent developments in MRI acquisition and tissue modelling aim to provide a better characterization and more specific markers for myelin. This allows for specific monitoring of myelination longitudinally and non-invasively in the healthy brain as well as assessment of treatment and intervention efficacy. Here we offer a non-technical review of MRI techniques developed to specifically monitor myelin such as magnetization transfer (MT) and myelin water imaging (MWI). We further summarize recent studies that employ these methods to measure myelin in relation to development and aging, learning and experience, and neuropathology and psychiatric disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.