Brain Structures in a Human Embryo Imaged with MR Microscopy

  • Kunieda Kazuki
    Institute of Pure and Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
  • Makihara Kazuyuki
    Institute of Pure and Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
  • Yamada Shigehito
    Congenital Anomaly Research Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
  • Yamaguchi Masayuki
    Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan Division of Functional Imaging, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
  • Nakamura Takashi
    Molecular Characterization Unit, Center for Sustainable Resource Research, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
  • Terada Yasuhiko
    Institute of Pure and Applied Physics, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

Abstract

<p>Purpose: To delineate brain microstructures in human embryos during the formation of the various major primordia by MR microscopy, with different contrasts appropriate for each target.</p><p>Methods: We focused mainly on the internal structures in the cerebral cortex and the accessory nerves of the brain. To find appropriate sequence parameters, we measured nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters and created kernel density plots of T1 and T2 values. We performed T1-weighted gradient echo imaging with parameters similar to those used in the previous studies. We performed T2*-weighted gradient echo imaging to delineate the target structures with the appropriate sequence parameters according to the NMR parameter and flip angle measurements. We also performed high-resolution imaging with both T1- and T2*-weighted sequences.</p><p>Results: T1, T2, and T2* values of the target tissues were positively correlated and shorter than those of the surrounding tissues. In T1-weighted images with a voxel size of (30 µm)3 and (20 µm)3, various organs and tissues and the agarose gel were differentiated as in previous studies, and the structure of approximately 40 µm in size was depicted, but the detailed structures within the cerebral cortex and the accessory nerves were not delineated. In T2*-weighted images with a voxel size of (30 µm)3, the layered structure within the cerebral cortex and the accessory nerves were clearly visualized. Overall, T1-weighted images provided more information than T2*-weighted images, but important internal brain structures of interest were visible only in T2*-weighted images. Therefore, it is essential to perform MR microscopy with different contrasts.</p><p>Conclusion: We have visualized brain structures in a human embryo that had not previously been delineated by MR microscopy. We discussed pulse sequences appropriate for the structures of interest. This methodology would provide a way to visualize crucial embryological information about the anatomical structure of human embryos.</p>

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