Manipulation of tissue contrast using contrast agents for enhanced MR microscopy in ex vivo mouse brain

摘要: Detailed 3D mouse brain images may promote better understanding of phenotypical differences between normal and transgenic/mutant models. Previously, a number magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) studies have successfully established atlases, revealing genotypic traits several commonly used strains. In such studies, MR contrast agents, mainly gadolinium (Gd) based, were often to reduce acquisition time improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). this paper, we intended extend the utility agents for MRM applications. Using Gd-DTPA MnCl(2), exploited potential use manipulate image by drawing upon multiple relaxation mechanisms tissue-dependent staining properties characteristic each agent. We quantified r(1) r(2) MnCl(2) in both aqueous solution tissue demonstrated presence divergent Further analyses using nuclear dispersion (NMRD) Mn(2+) ex vivo strongly suggested macromolecule binding Mn(2+), leading increased T(1) relaxation. Moreover, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectroscopy revealed that had higher affinity than Gd-DTPA. As result, regions stained two exhibited different contrasts. Our results show differential can be achieved detailed cytoarchitecture, ultimately offer window investigating new techniques which understand biophysical perhaps visualize anomalies even at molecular level.