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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Simon BamforthORCiD
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Embryonic development in normal and genetically modified mice is commonly analysed by histological sectioning. This procedure is time-consuming, prone to artefact, and results in the loss of three-dimensional (3D) information. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of embryos has the potential of noninvasively acquiring a complete 3D data set. Published methods have used spin-echo techniques with inherently high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); however, they required either perfusion of the embryo with a contrast agent, or prolonged acquisition times to improve contrast and resolution. Here, we show that a standard preparation (i.e. paraformaldehyde fixation) of 15.5 days post-coitum embryos followed by MRI using a fast gradient-echo sequence with T(1)-weighting achieves high resolution and high throughput for investigating mouse embryonic anatomy. 3D data sets were acquired in overnight experiments (<9 h) with an experimental resolution of approximately 25 microm(3). This spatial resolution is twofold higher than the values reported previously for comparable paraformaldehyde-fixed embryos, and it was obtained in less than a quarter of the time with sufficient SNR. Our approach combines speed, high resolution and contrast with a simple preparation technique and minimal operator time (<1 h). It allows rapid routine 3D characterisation of normal and abnormal mouse embryonic anatomy.
Author(s): Bamforth SD; Schneider JE; Grieve SM; Clarke K; Bhattacharya S; Neubauer S
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine
Year: 2003
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
Pages: 43-51
ISSN (print): 0968-5243
ISSN (electronic): 1352-8661
Publisher: Springer
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10334-003-0002-z
DOI: 10.1007/s10334-003-0002-z
Notes: Evaluation Studies Journal Article Validation Studies
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