[Three-dimensional mini-type permanent magnetic resonance imaging device and medical imaging of mice]

We developed a three-dimensional mini-type permanent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device in our lab. The purposes of this study were (1) for further development of MRI technologies, (2) for support of broadening practices of animal test modeling in medical research, and (3) for training more specialists from colleges or universities in the field of MRI. This paper describes the research and development at our lab(s), especially stressing on the design of the main magnet, the gradient coil and the radio frequency coil. In addition, the specific methodologies used in our lab(s) and the related data are emphasized. The 3D MRI technologies have met the needs of using small animals, super thin sections of live animal body and high imaging resolutions. MRI images of mice head and abdominal have been obtained successfully by using the imager that we developed. The imaging results and analyses have also been discussed.