The brain of the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes): a neuroanatomical reference of cell-stained histological and MRI images

Christina N. Rogers Flattery, Munawwar Abdulla, Sophie A. Barton, Jenny M. Michlich, Lyudmila N. Trut, Anna V. Kukekova, Erin E. Hecht

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Although the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes) has been largely overlooked by neuroscientists, it has the potential to serve as a powerful model for the investigation of brain-behavior relationships. The silver fox is a melanistic variant of the red fox. Within this species, the long-running Russian farm-fox experiment has resulted in different strains bred to show divergent behavior. Strains bred for tameness, aggression, or without selection on behavior present an excellent opportunity to investigate neuroanatomical changes underlying behavioral characteristics. Here, we present a histological and MRI neuroanatomical reference of a fox from the conventional strain, which is bred without behavioral selection. This can provide an anatomical basis for future studies of the brains of foxes from this particular experiment, as well as contribute to an understanding of fox brains in general. In addition, this can serve as a resource for comparative neuroscience and investigations into neuroanatomical variation among the family Canidae, the order Carnivora, and mammals more broadly.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1177-1189
Number of pages13
JournalBrain Structure and Function
Volume228
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2023

Keywords

  • Brain evolution
  • Canidae
  • Comparative neuroscience
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Vulpines

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Anatomy
  • Histology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The brain of the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes): a neuroanatomical reference of cell-stained histological and MRI images'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this