In traditional optical imaging, limited light penetration constrains high-resolution interrogation to tissue surfaces. Optoacoustic imaging combines the superb contrast of optical imaging with deep penetration of ultrasound, enabling a range of new applications. We used multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) for functional and structural neuroimaging in mice at resolution, depth, and specificity unattainable by other neuroimaging modalities. Based on multispectral readouts, we computed hemoglobin gradient and oxygen saturation changes related to processing of somatosensory signals in different structures along the entire subcortical-cortical axis. Using temporal correlation analysis and seed-based maps, we reveal the connectivity between cortical, thalamic, and sub-thalamic formations. With the same modality, high-resolution structural tomography of intact mouse brain was achieved based on endogenous contrasts, demonstrating near-perfect matches with anatomical features revealed by histology. These results extend the limits of noninvasive observations beyond the reach of standard high-resolution neuroimaging, verifying the suitability of MSOT for small-animal studies.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Aristotle University 54124 Thessaloniki Greece

Department of Medical Genetics 3rd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University 11636 Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging Helmholtz Zentrum Munich Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1 85764 Neuherberg Germany

Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging Helmholtz Zentrum Munich Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1 85764 Neuherberg Germany; Chair of Biological Imaging Technical University Munich 81675 Munich Germany

Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging Helmholtz Zentrum Munich Ingolstadter Landstrasse 1 85764 Neuherberg Germany; Chair of Biological Imaging Technical University Munich 81675 Munich Germany; Department of Experimental Neurobiology National Institute of Mental Health Topolová 748 25067 Klecany Czech Republic; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology 3rd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University 11636 Prague Czech Republic

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