Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 270.5 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Manganese-enhanced MRI of the crayfish brain. |
| Authors: |
Herberholz, J.*1
; Mims, C. J.1
; Zhang, X.1
; Hu, X.1
; Edwards, D. H.1
1Ctr. for Behavioral Neurosci., Atlanta, GA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Sensory Systems - Invertebrate Sensory Systems |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Motor Systems<br />- Invertebrate Motor Systems |
| Session: |
270. Invertebrate Sensory Systems: Other Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, November 9, 2003 1:00 PM-2:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # F37 |
| Keywords: | INVERTEBRATE, CRUSTACEA, MRI, BRAIN IMAGING |
We are using manganese-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ME-MRI) to visualize the brains of crayfish. Manganese, a paramagnetic contrast agent and calcium analog, can highlight specific brain areas that are active. Several vertebrate studies show that ME-MRI is directly sensitive to calcium-dependent neuronal activity and can also be used to trace neuronal connections within the brain. Moreover, due to the slow clearing rate of manganese from the stimulated region of the brain, ME-MRI allows the application of the contrast agent and the sensory stimulation to take place outside the magnet before the animal is imaged. Vertebrate studies using ME-MRI are complicated by the fact that manganese does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, which requires intravenous infusion of the contrast agent over a long period of time in combination with injection of a hyperosmolar agent. Furthermore, vertebrates are usually anesthetized during ME-MRI studies, which reduces brain activity and makes manganese a less effective contrast agent. Since crayfish do not require anesthesia, have no blood-brain barrier and can easily be restrained within the magnet, we found them to be particularly suitable for ME-MRI studies. One-time injections of small amounts and concentrations of MnCl2 that do not affect the behavior of crayfish are sufficient to strongly enhance the signal of brain tissue. Injected into the open circulatory system, the manganese is quickly transported to the brain and allows brain identification and morphological reconstruction. High-resolution ME-MRI reveals detailed anatomical structures not apparent with the use of conventional MRI. In the future, we hope to use ME-MRI as an activity marker to identify patterns of neural activity in crayfish brains.
Supported by NSF Research Grant IBN-0135162 to DHE
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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