A detailed 3D MRI brain atlas of the African lungfish Protopterus annectens

Abstract

The African lungfish Protopterus annectens is a key species for understanding the evolution of the brain in vertebrates, particularly in the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. This study presents a detailed 3D MRI brain atlas of P. annectens, providing a comprehensive view of its neuroanatomy. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to create a three-dimensional model of the lungfish brain, allowing for precise identification and delineation of various brain structures. The atlas includes detailed annotations of major brain regions, including the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon, as well as smaller nuclei and fiber tracts. This work represents a significant advancement in our understanding of lungfish neuroanatomy and provides a valuable resource for comparative studies in vertebrate brain evolution.