Preclinical MRI

MRI is a non-invasive technique and completely free of ionizing radiation. It is based on the response of the sample to radio waves when it is placed in a permanent strong magnetic field. In our case this is 9.4 T, which is about 188 000 times stronger than the earth magnetic field. 

Most commonly the signal in the image comes from the water in the tissue, but also for instance lipids or metabolites can be imaged. The great advantage of MRI is that it requires no contrast agent as the molecular environment of the tissue water gives rise to contrast by itself. Contrast agents can be used and often function as tracers, for instance in the study of cerebral blood flow. The disadvantage of MRI is the low signal and this is why a high magnetic field is required to create a strong polarisation. Nevertheless, imaging times lie in the typical range of 1-10 minutes.

Our system is adapted for scanning mouse and rats and can be used for both in and ex vivo imaging. Samples are possible up to 8 cm radius. In vivo imaging can be synchronised with respiratory and cardiac motion to enable imaging of the abdomen and heart. Retrospective triggering is also possible using specialised MR techniques. Respiration and temperature are continuously monitored using an SA Instruments animal monitoring system. In vivo experiments are performed under anaesthesia, most commonly with isoflurane.

Instrument specifications 

Bruker BioSpec Avance NEO

Radio frequency coils

FUS Instruments RK-50

Transducers