Magnetic resonance microscopy of embryos.
We demonstrate that magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy provides a mechanism to investigate normal and abnormal developmental anatomy in a non-destructive and distortion-free manner. Techniques for the fixation, embedding, perfusion and image acquisition of embryos between 3 and 30 mm crown rump length are described. We describe the perfusion of a contrast agent to enhance images of the developing embryonic vasculature. Data are acquired as three-dimensional isotropic arrays which permit images to be reformatted retrospectively in any plane. The data are available for archiving, distributing and for post-acquisition manipulations. MR microscopy is a fast technique for producing three-dimensional reconstructions and is free from registration and sectioning artifacts.
Smith
B R
BR
Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Linney
E
E
Huff
D S
DS
Johnson
G A
GA
D000716:Anatomy, Artistic; D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008488:Medical Illustration; D051379:Mice / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology; D008853:Microscopy
D003287:Contrast Media