Small animal preparation and handling in MRI

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Small Animal Research
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• Animal handling is critical for in vivo NMR imaging quality and reproducibility in small animals.
• Challenges in animal preparation can significantly impact experimental outcomes.
• Rodent models are frequently used in preclinical MRI studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline critical considerations for animal handling in in vivo MRI experiments using rodent models.
• To review available devices for animal handling and positioning.
• To detail key aspects of anesthesia, physiological monitoring, and facility biosecurity.

Main Methods:

• Review of commercially available animal handling and positioning devices.
• Discussion of integration with RF coils, restraint, anesthesia, and monitoring systems.
• Detailed examination of anesthesia, temperature maintenance, physiological monitoring, intubation, ventilation, and contrast administration.

Main Results:

• Accurate and reproducible positioning is essential for sensitivity, artifact reduction, throughput, and quantification.
• Various devices aid in animal handling, with differing advantages and limitations.
• Comprehensive management of anesthesia, temperature, and physiological parameters is vital.

Conclusions:

• Optimized animal handling and preparation are paramount for reliable and reproducible small animal MRI data.
• Understanding and utilizing available devices and techniques improves experimental efficiency and data quality.
• Facility biosecurity is an increasingly important consideration for small animal MRI laboratories.