Topological organization of connectivity strength in the rat connectome.

ABSTRACT: The mammalian brain is a complex network of anatomically interconnected regions. Animal studies allow for an invasive measurement of the connections of these networks at the macroscale level by means of neuronal tracing of axonal projections, providing a unique opportunity for the formation of detailed 'connectome maps'. Here we analyzed the macroscale connectome of the rat brain, including detailed information on the macroscale interregional pathways between 67 cortical and subcortical regions as provided by the high-quality, open-access BAMS-II database on rat brain anatomical projections, focusing in particular on the non-uniform distribution of projection strength across pathways. First, network analysis confirmed a small-world, modular and rich club organization of the rat connectome;

SUBMITTER: van den Heuvel MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4819781 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature