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Published on: July 22, 2014
Mapping of the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway in living mice using manganese-enhanced 3D MRI
Takashi Watanabe1, Jelena Radulovic, Susann Boretius
1Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH am Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany. twatana@gwdg.de
Abstract:
This magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study describes mapping of the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway in living mice based on manganese-induced contrast. Six hours after intracerebroventricular microinjection of MnCl2, T1-weighted 3D MRI (2.35 T) at 117 mum isotropic resolution revealed a continuous pattern of anterograde labeling from the habenula via the fasciculus retroflexus to the interpeduncular nucleus. Alternatively, the less invasive systemic administration of MnCl2 allowed for monitoring of the dynamic uptake pattern of respective neural components with even higher reproducibility across animals. Time courses covered the range from 42 min to 24 h after injection. In conclusion, manganese-enhanced MRI may open new ways for functional assessments of the habenulo-interpeduncular system in animal models with cognitive impairment.
Insights
Manganese-enhanced MRI maps the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway in mice. This technique offers a novel method for assessing cognitive impairment in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- The habenulo-interpeduncular pathway is crucial for cognitive functions.
- Assessing this pathway in animal models of cognitive impairment is challenging.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers non-invasive visualization potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway in living mice using manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI).
- To evaluate both intracerebroventricular and systemic manganese chloride (MnCl2) administration methods.
- To explore MEMRI's utility for functional assessment in animal models with cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebroventricular and systemic administration of manganese chloride (MnCl2) in mice.
- High-resolution 3D T1-weighted MRI (2.35 T) at 117 µm isotropic resolution.
- Monitoring manganese uptake dynamics from 42 minutes to 24 hours post-injection.
Main Results:
- Successful anterograde labeling of the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway via the fasciculus retroflexus was visualized.
- Systemic MnCl2 administration demonstrated higher reproducibility and dynamic uptake monitoring.
- Continuous labeling patterns were observed from the habenula to the interpeduncular nucleus.
Conclusions:
- Manganese-enhanced MRI provides effective visualization of the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway.
- Systemic MEMRI offers a reproducible method for dynamic neural component monitoring.
- MEMRI holds promise for functional assessments of this system in preclinical models of cognitive impairment.
