In vivo magnetic resonance imaging and semiautomated image analysis extend the brain phenotype for cdf/cdf mice.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computer image analysis in human clinical studies effectively identify abnormal neuroanatomy in disease populations. As more mouse models of neurological disorders are discovered, such an approach may prove useful for translational studies. Here, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a similar strategy for mouse neuroscience studies by phenotyping mice with the cerebellar deficient folia (cdf) mutation. Using in vivo multiple-mouse magnetic resonance imaging for increased throughput, we imaged groups of cdf mutant, heterozygous, and wild-type mice and made an atlas-based segmentation of the structures in 15 individual brains. We then performed computer automated volume measurements on the structures. We found a reduced cerebellar volume in the cdf mutants, which was expected, but we also found a new phenotype in the inferior colliculus and the olfactory bulbs. Subsequent local histology revealed additional cytoarchitectural abnormalities in the olfactory bulbs. This demonstrates the utility of anatomical magnetic resonance imaging and semiautomated image analysis for detecting abnormal neuroarchitecture in mutant mice.
Bock
Nicholas A
NA
Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada. bockn@mail.nih.gov
Kovacevic
Natasa
N
Lipina
Tatiana V
TV
Roder
John C
JC
Ackerman
Susan L
SL
Henkelman
R Mark
RM
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*; D002712:Chlorides; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D017895:Manganese Compounds; D051379:Mice; D008818:Mice, Neurologic Mutants; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D010641:Phenotype
D002712:Chlorides; D003287:Contrast Media; D017895:Manganese Compounds; C025340:manganese chloride