The human embryo development through MMR

Abstract

This study evaluates the use of the Microscopic Magnetic Resonance (MMR) in the human prenatal development. Human embryos (8mm, 15mm, 18mm and 22mm in length) fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde were used. Results were compared with light microscopy (LM) images. The internal configuration of the embryos can be clearly observed as well as many organs such as liver, lungs, heart, including their spatial relationships. In general MMR sections are less clear and show minor details than those by LM. Neverthless, many advantages are provided by using this technique. For example it is possible: a) to make three-dimensional (3-D) surface and internal full or partial reconstructions; b) to evaluate the presence of developmental anomalies; c) to evaluate the tissular preservation degree of the specimens; and d) to apply morphometric techniques to unfixed specimens. In our opinion the advantages derived by using MMR are many and overcome the disadvantages. This study demonstrates that MMR can be incorporated into ordinary laboratory techniques in human development studies, being also an initial election technique opposite to others more aggressive.