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Published on: March 4, 2015
The effects of 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging on early murine in-vitro embryo development
1Consultant, Department of O & G, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Abstract:
Although no ionizing radiation is involved, patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are exposed to powerful static magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio-frequency fields that may be potentially damaging. Our study aims to document the effect of MRI imaging sequences on early murine embryo development (two-cell to blastocyst stage) in vitro. Two-cell murine embryos were exposed to various lengths of MRI using pulse sequences employed in present day clinical imaging. Early murine embryo development was documented in vitro, and blastocyst development rates were computed for both the control and exposed groups. There were no significant differences detected in the rate of blastocyst formation between the control groups and the embryos exposed to MRI.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields, not ionizing radiation. This study found MRI exposure did not significantly affect early mouse embryo development in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Developmental Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes powerful static magnetic fields, gradients, and radio-frequency fields.
- While non-ionizing, the potential impact of these electromagnetic fields on biological tissues, particularly during sensitive developmental stages, warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences on the in vitro development of early-stage murine embryos.
- To determine if exposure to MRI fields impacts the transition from the two-cell stage to the blastocyst stage.
Main Methods:
- Murine embryos at the two-cell stage were cultured in vitro.
- Embryos were exposed to various durations of MRI using standard clinical pulse sequences.
- Developmental progression, specifically blastocyst formation rates, was monitored and compared between exposed and control groups.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the blastocyst development rates between murine embryos exposed to MRI and the control group.
- Early embryonic development in vitro proceeded similarly regardless of MRI exposure parameters used.
Conclusions:
- Clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exposure, under the conditions tested, does not appear to adversely affect the in vitro development of early murine embryos.
- These findings suggest that current MRI protocols may be safe for early embryonic development, warranting further investigation in vivo.
