How Variable Are Our Rat Sensory-Evoked Functional MRI Datasets?

Abstract

Motivation: We address the need for standardization and collaboration in rat sensory-evoked fMRI by providing evidence-based recommendations and open-access datasets, fostering community growth. Goal(s): We aim to assess inter- and intra-datasets variability, focusing on image acquisition and experimental protocols, and to optimize analysis by comparing hemodynamic response functions and denoising methods. Approach: We collected 17 rat datasets from 10 centers, applied standardized preprocessing, and analyzed the sensory-evoked responses at individual and groups levels. Project code is openly available. Results: Our study revealed significant diversity in rat attributes, anesthesia protocols, and imaging acquisition parameters across datasets. We are currently optimizing analyses to strengthen protocol robustness. Impact: We present evidence for the substantial heterogeneity intra- and inter-datasets of rat sensory-evoked fMRI. We will provide guidelines to enhance reproducibility, facilitate cross-laboratory comparisons, collaborations in neuroimaging research, and encourage more robust findings with potential translational applications.