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Review
. 2011 Aug;24(4):386-93.
doi: 10.1097/WCO.0b013e328348972a.

Novel frontiers in ultra-structural and molecular MRI of the brain

Jeff H Duyn  1 , Alan P Koretsky
Affiliations
Review

Novel frontiers in ultra-structural and molecular MRI of the brain

Jeff H Duyn et al. Curr Opin Neurol. 2011 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Recent developments in the MRI of the brain continue to expand its use in basic and clinical neuroscience. This review highlights some areas of recent progress.

Recent findings: Higher magnetic field strengths and improved signal detectors have allowed improved visualization of the various properties of the brain, facilitating the anatomical definition of function-specific areas and their connections. For example, by sensitizing the MRI signal to the magnetic susceptibility of tissue, it is starting to become possible to reveal the laminar structure of the cortex and identify millimeter-scale fiber bundles. Using exogenous contrast agents, and innovative ways to manipulate contrast, it is becoming possible to highlight specific fiber tracts and cell populations. These techniques are bringing us closer to understanding the evolutionary blueprint of the brain, improving the detection and characterization of disease, and help to guide treatment.

Summary: Recent MRI techniques are leading to more detailed and more specific contrast in the study of the brain.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
a. Anatomical detail in human brain visualized by in vivo MRI at 7T. Magnetic susceptibility induced frequency contrast allows visualization of layer 4b (line of Gennari) of the primary visual cortex (white arrow) and the main white matter fibers of the optic radiation (black arrow) that connect to it. Resolution: 200×200×1000 µm. b,c. iron stain and MRI transverse relaxivity (R2*) image, demonstrating the colocalization of areas with increased iron content and increased relaxivity (arrows)
Fig 2
Fig 2
MRI detection of the migration of endogenous neural prescursors along the rostral migratory stream (A) to the olfactory bulb (B) of the rat. Micron-size particles of iron oxide were directly injected into the ventricle near the subventricular zone where new neural precursors are continually generated. Over the course of a few weeks signal loss due to cell migration from precursors that have taken up iron oxide particles can be clearly seen as dark spots along the rostral migratory stream (arrow). Three weeks after injection many dark punctuate spots can be detected throughout the olfactory bulb (B) which correspond to single cells that have migrated into the bulb. (Adopted from [97,98])
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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