Three-dimensional reconstruction of rat brain from autoradiographic images using image registration by maximization of mutual information

Autoradiographic image analysis is a powerful and dominantly used method for the quantitative analysis of radioisotope distribution in small animals. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the brain from serial sections of autoradiographic images allows volumetric visualization and analysis, coregistration with other 3D modalities, and anatomical standardization. We implemented an operating system and platform independent software in which the 3D reconstruction of the rat brain from the autoradiographic images using the image registration technique is possible. Image registration and a 3D reconstruction technique developed in this study would be useful for the quantitative analysis of the autoradiographic images.