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Published on: July 22, 2014
Functional mapping of neural pathways in rodent brain in vivo using manganese-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic
Takashi Watanabe1, Jens Frahm, Thomas Michaelis
1Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH am Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
This work presents three-dimensional MRI studies of rodent brain in vivo after focal and systemic administration of MnCl2. Particular emphasis is paid to the morphology and dynamics of Mn2+-induced MRI signal enhancements, and the physiological mechanisms underlying cerebral Mn2+ uptake and distribution. It turns out that intravitreal and intrahippocampal injections of MnCl2 emerge as useful tools for a delineation of major axonal connections in the intact central nervous system. Subcutaneous administrations may be exploited to highlight regions involved in fundamental brain functions such as the olfactory bulb, inferior colliculus, cerebellum and hippocampal formation. Specific insights into the processes supporting cerebral Mn2+ accumulation may be obtained by intraventricular MnCl2 injection as well as by pharmacologic modulation of, for example, hippocampal function. Taken together, Mn2+-enhanced MRI opens new ways for mapping functioning pathways in animal brain in vivo with applications ranging from assessments of transgenic animals to follow-up studies of animal models of human brain disorders.
Insights
Manganese (MnCl2) enhanced MRI reveals brain pathways in rodents. This technique maps axonal connections and brain regions involved in functions like olfaction and memory, aiding research in neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool for brain visualization.
- Understanding brain connectivity and function in vivo is crucial for neurological research.
- Manganese (Mn2+) can act as a contrast agent in MRI, but its uptake and distribution mechanisms require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of manganese chloride (MnCl2) for in vivo three-dimensional MRI studies in rodent brains.
- To characterize the morphology and dynamics of Mn2+-induced MRI signal enhancements.
- To explore the physiological mechanisms of cerebral Mn2+ uptake and distribution.
Main Methods:
- Focal (intravitreal, intrahippocampal, intraventricular) and systemic (subcutaneous) administration of MnCl2 in rodents.
- Three-dimensional MRI acquisition and analysis to observe Mn2+-induced signal changes.
- Pharmacological modulation of brain function (e.g., hippocampal) to study Mn2+ accumulation.
Main Results:
- Intravitreal and intrahippocampal MnCl2 injections effectively delineated major axonal connections in the central nervous system.
- Subcutaneous MnCl2 administration highlighted brain regions associated with fundamental functions (olfactory bulb, inferior colliculus, cerebellum, hippocampus).
- Intraventricular injection and pharmacological modulation provided insights into cerebral Mn2+ accumulation processes.
Conclusions:
- Mn2+-enhanced MRI is a valuable technique for mapping functioning neural pathways in the living animal brain.
- This method offers broad applications in neuroscience research, including the study of transgenic animals and models of human brain disorders.
- The study provides a foundation for utilizing Mn2+-enhanced MRI to assess brain connectivity and function across various research contexts.
