Gender Differences in Language and Motor-Related Fibers in a Population of Healthy Preterm Neonates at Term-Equivalent Age: A Diffusion Tensor and Probabilistic Tractography Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Sex differences in white matter structure are controversial. In this MR imaging study, we aimed to investigate possible sex differences in language and motor-related tracts in healthy preterm neonates by using DTI and probabilistic tractography.

Nonlinear microstructural changes in the right superior temporal sulcus and lateral occipitotemporal gyrus between 35 and 43weeks in the preterm brain

“…Therefore, we studied if time ex utero between birth and brain MRI had an effect in our population, but no effect could be observed. In a previous DTI probabilistic tractography study, we could evidence that gender differences are present in the microstructure of language and motor fibers in a population of healthy preterm neonates (Liu et al, 2011). Therefore, we studied if sex had an effect in our population but no effect could be observed.…”

Early growth and neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants: impact of gender

“…A suboptimal nutrition could alter its organisation with a particular sensitivity in boys. Using cerebral tractography, Liu described gender differences in language and motor-related fibres 25. A specific sensitivity of those fibres to nutrition during the third trimester of pregnancy could explain gender differences in the relationship between initial postnatal growth and neurological outcome for very preterm infants.…”

Imaging structural and functional brain development in early childhood

“…DTI studies find minimal sex differences in neonates 128, 129 and in the maturation pattern of major white-matter fibre bundles with time 32 . By contrast, between 3 and 60 months, females exhibit a higher rate of myelination compared with males in the genu of the corpus callosum, in left frontal and left temporal white matter, and in the right optic radiation 130 .…”