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.
Sensory Neurobiology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia. j.ullmann@uq.edu.au
Jeremy F P
JF
Ullmann
Gary
G
Cowin
Shaun P
SP
Collin
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