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Impact of tissue sample preparation methods on myelin-sensitive quantitative MR imaging

Amaya Murguia1, Scott D Swanson2,3, Ulrich Scheven4

  • 1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|July 25, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Freezing is a viable method for preserving brain tissue for quantitative MRI (qMRI) analysis, showing good correlation with histology. However, freezing and thawing may alter qMRI parameter values, especially in areas with high myelin content.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Histology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Quantitative MRI (qMRI) parameter validation typically uses ex vivo fixed tissue.
  • The impact of freezing and thawing on myelin-sensitive qMRI parameters needs further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effects of freezing and thawing on myelin-sensitive qMRI parameters.
  • To compare qMRI results from fresh, thawed, and fixed tissue with histological data.

Main Methods:

  • Myelin water imaging and magnetization transfer (MT) MRI techniques were employed.
  • Experiments were performed on 14 fresh, thawed, and fixed sheep brain tissue samples.
  • qMRI measures were compared against Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) histological staining.

Main Results:

  • qMRI values from fresh, thawed, and fixed tissues showed strong correlation with LFB histology.
  • Thawed and fixed tissues demonstrated a 3-32% increase in most qMRI parameter values compared to fresh tissue.
  • Histology confirmed that thawed samples maintained tissue integrity after freezing.

Conclusions:

  • Freezing serves as a practical alternative to fixation for qMRI analysis of brain tissue.
  • Freezing and thawing may cause differential changes in qMRI parameter values based on regional myelin content.
Keywords:
bi‐exponentialluxol fast blue histologymyelin water imaging (MWI)quantitative MRIquantitative magnetization transfer (qMT)tissue preparation

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