Preparation of fixed mouse brains for MRI

Neuroimage. 2012 Apr 2;60(2):933-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.01.100. Epub 2012 Jan 28.

Abstract

In fixed mouse brain magnetic resonance images, a high prevalence of fixation artifacts have been observed. Of more than 1700 images of fixed brains acquired at our laboratory, fixation artifacts were present in approximately 30%. In this study, two of these artifacts are described and their causes are identified. A hyperintense rim around the brain is observed when using perfusates reconstituted from powder and delivered at a high flow rate. It is proposed that these perfusion conditions cause blockage of the capillary beds and an increase in pressure that ruptures the vessels, resulting in a blister of liquid below the dura mater. Secondly, gray-white matter contrast inversion is observed when too short a fixation time or too low a concentration of fixative is used, resulting in inadequate fixation. The deleterious consequences of these artifacts for quantitative data analysis are discussed, and precautions for their prevention are provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Artifacts*
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Tissue Fixation / methods*