Mouse Brain MRI: Including In Vivo, Ex Vivo, and fcMRI for the Study of Microcephaly
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Published on: May 19, 2023
Martin J MacKinnon1,2,3,4, Tzu-Wen W Wang1,2, Yen-Yu I Shih5,6,7,8
1Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract:
With its sensitivity to soft tissue, MRI is a powerful tool for the study of the neuroanatomical manifestations of a variety of conditions, such as microcephaly-related morbidities that are not easily visualized by other imaging techniques, such as CT. In addition to structural imaging, more recently, researchers have found changes in brain function in a wide range of neurological conditions-highlighting the utility of MRI for the study of microcephaly.In this methods chapter, basic mouse preparation and the acquisition of data for in vivo anatomical MRI will be discussed. Additionally, we will provide our protocol for the perfusion and fixation of brain tissue with gadolinium contrast agent. Following that, the process of optimization of system parameters will be shown for anatomical imaging of in vivo and ex vivo brain tissue. Lastly, the chapter will detail a protocol for fcMRI along with a discussion of considerations specific to functional imaging.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers advanced visualization of brain structure and function, crucial for studying microcephaly. This guide details mouse MRI protocols for anatomical and functional brain imaging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging Techniques
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) excels in soft tissue visualization, aiding the study of neuroanatomical abnormalities in conditions like microcephaly.
- Beyond structural details, functional MRI (fMRI) reveals brain function changes in various neurological disorders, underscoring MRI's broad utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide detailed protocols for in vivo and ex vivo anatomical MRI in mice.
- To outline methods for perfusion, fixation, and contrast agent application in brain tissue.
- To describe functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) protocols and specific considerations for functional imaging.
Main Methods:
- Mouse preparation and in vivo anatomical MRI data acquisition.
- Perfusion and fixation protocols for brain tissue, including gadolinium contrast agent use.
- Optimization of system parameters for both in vivo and ex vivo anatomical imaging.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for high-resolution anatomical MRI of mouse brains.
- Detailed methods for functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) acquisition.
- Guidance on optimizing MRI parameters for specific research needs.
Conclusions:
- MRI is indispensable for investigating microcephaly's neuroanatomical and functional aspects.
- This chapter provides a comprehensive methodological framework for mouse brain MRI.
- The protocols facilitate advanced research into neurological conditions using MRI.
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