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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Intact Histological Characterization of Brain-implanted Microdevices and Surrounding Tissue
Published on: February 11, 2013
Compatibility of Gd-DTPA perfusion and histologic studies of the brain
Richard G Spencer1, Kenneth W Fishbein, Aiwu Cheng
1Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Unit, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. spencer@helix.nih.gov
Abstract:
Histology, including immunohistochemistry, and magnetic resonance imaging microscopy (microMRI) are complementary techniques for the analysis of brain structure. Therefore, microMRI analysis, often of formalin-fixed tissue, precedes histologic evaluation of the same experimental animal in many studies. However, the application of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA), while of value for MRI studies, has an unknown effect on subsequent histology. We demonstrate here that for the mouse brain, histology with Nissl staining and immunostaining for microtubule-associated protein 2, using standard techniques for tissue preparation, are unaffected by prior perfusion of the tissue with Gd-DTPA. This conclusion was based on qualitative morphologic comparisons of stained sections, as well as quantification of mean immunofluorescence pixel intensities from Gd-treated (mean+/-S.D.=131.2+/-28.4; n=3) as compared to nontreated specimens (116.2+/-34.7; n=3, P=.7). Therefore, Gd-DTPA may be applied as a microMRI contrast agent in formalin-fixed brain tissue prior to histologic studies.
Insights
Gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) contrast agent does not affect subsequent mouse brain histology. Standard histological staining and immunohistochemistry remain reliable after microMRI analysis using Gd-DTPA.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Imaging
- Histopathology
Background:
- Histology and magnetic resonance imaging microscopy (microMRI) are complementary for brain structure analysis.
- microMRI often precedes histology in studies using the same animal model.
- The impact of Gd-DTPA, a microMRI contrast agent, on subsequent histology is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) perfusion on subsequent histological analysis of mouse brain tissue.
- To determine if Gd-DTPA impacts standard histology, including Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry.
Main Methods:
- Mouse brains were perfused with Gd-DTPA, a contrast agent for MRI studies.
- Standard histological techniques, including Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for microtubule-associated protein 2, were applied to both Gd-DTPA-treated and untreated specimens.
- Qualitative morphological comparisons and quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence pixel intensities were performed.
Main Results:
- Histology, including Nissl staining and microtubule-associated protein 2 immunostaining, was unaffected by prior Gd-DTPA perfusion.
- No significant differences in mean immunofluorescence pixel intensities were observed between Gd-DTPA-treated (131.2+/-28.4) and non-treated (116.2+/-34.7) specimens.
- Qualitative morphological assessments confirmed the integrity of histological features post-Gd-DTPA treatment.
Conclusions:
- Gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) can be safely used as a microMRI contrast agent in formalin-fixed brain tissue.
- Prior Gd-DTPA perfusion does not compromise the reliability of subsequent histological evaluations, including immunohistochemistry.
- This finding supports the integrated use of microMRI and histology in neurobiological research.
