Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Noninvasive In Vivo Small Animal MRI and MRS: Basic Experimental Procedures
Published on: October 20, 2009
Anaesthesia of small rodents during magnetic resonance imaging
C Hanusch1, S Hoeger, G C Beck
1Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany. Christine.hanusch@anaes.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Abstract:
The use of experimental animals for magnetic resonance studies requires anaesthesia to provide immobility and acquire signals with minimal stress and maximal reproducibility. However, the conduct of anaesthesia within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite implicates many problems, because most of the anaesthetic and monitoring equipment contains ferromagnetic substances. To decrease disturbances during anaesthesia and make data interpretation more accurate, it is mandatory that investigators become familiar with methods and physiologic effects of anaesthesia under these special conditions. This article is intended to give an overview of anaesthetic medication, administration routes and practical instructions for anaesthesia in small rodents during MRI.
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Description of the Procedures
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Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...

