Graded Variation in T1w/T2w Ratio during Adolescence: Measurement, Caveats, and Implications for Development of Cortical Myelin

Graham L. Baum, John C. Flournoy, Matthew F. Glasser, Michael P. Harms, Patrick Mair, Ashley F.P. Sanders, Deanna M. Barch, Randy L. Buckner, Susan Bookheimer, Mirella Dapretto, Stephen Smith, Kathleen M. Thomas, Essa Yacoub, David C. Van Essen, Leah H. Somerville

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Adolescence is characterized by the maturation of cortical microstructure and connectivity supporting complex cognition and behavior. Axonal myelination influences brain connectivity during development by enhancing neural signaling speed and inhibiting plasticity. However, the maturational timing of cortical myelination during human adolescence remains poorly understood. Here, we take advantage of recent advances in high-resolution cortical T1w/ T2w mapping methods, including principled correction of B1+ transmit field effects, using data from the Human Connectome Project in Development (HCP-D; N = 628, ages 8-21). We characterize microstructural changes relevant to myelination by estimating age-related differences in T1w/T2w throughout the cerebral neocortex from childhood to early adulthood. We apply Bayesian spline models and clustering analysis to demonstrate graded variation in age-dependent cortical T1w/T2w differences that are correlated with the sensorimotor-association (S-A) axis of cortical organization reported by others. In sensorimotor areas, T1w/T2w ratio measures start at high levels at early ages, increase at a fast pace, and decelerate at later ages (18-21). In intermediate multimodal areas along the S-A axis, T1w/T2w starts at intermediate levels and increases linearly at an intermediate pace. In transmodal/paralimbic association areas, T1w/T2w starts at low levels and increases linearly at the slowest pace. These data provide evidence for graded variation of the T1w/T2w ratio along the S-A axis that may reflect cortical myelination changes during adolescence underlying the development of complex information processing and psychological functioning. We discuss the implications of these results as well as caveats in interpreting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based estimates of myelination.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5681-5694
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume42
Issue number29
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 20 2022

Keywords

  • MRI
  • T1w/T2w
  • adolescence
  • development
  • myelin

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