Magnetic resonance microscopy of the barramundi (Lates calcarifer) brain.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an established technique for morphological imaging of the central nervous system. Despite its prevalent use in a range of taxa, few studies exist on the brains of teleosts. In this study, we present a detailed analysis of a teleost brain using high-resolution MRI. Images were acquired from a Bruker 16.4 T vertical magnet with a three-dimensional flash T(2)*-weighted image sequence. High contrast was obtained using Magnevist® and the following imaging parameters: a flip angle of 30°, a repetition time of 50 ms, an echo time of 14 ms, and an image matrix of 1024 × 400 × 400. The resulting isotropic resolution of 30 μm allowed us to thoroughly describe the architecture of the barramundi (Lates calcarifer) brain, including descriptions of nuclei, fiber tracts, and cellular layers. A good correspondence, both in contrast and morphology, was found between magnetic resonance images and Nissl-stained brain sections, allowing for an analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of MRI and conventional histology.
Ullmann
Jeremy F P
JF
Sensory Neurobiology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia. j.ullmann@uq.edu.au
Cowin
Gary
G
Collin
Shaun P
SP
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004027:Diencephalon / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008853:Microscopy; D009830:Olfactory Bulb / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010473:Perciformes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012249:Rhombencephalon / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013687:Telencephalon / Q000033:anatomy & histology