MR microscopy of whole specimens, individual organs or tissue specimens perfused simultaneously with fixative and MR contrast agent

摘要

Whole body animal specimens (preferably small mammals, such as laboratory rats, mice and the like) may be prepared for enhanced MR microscopy. Preferably, whole body animal specimens may be prepared for magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy by perfusing a mixture of a fixative and a MR contrast agent intravascularly of the animal specimen. The MR contrast agent is preferably a gadolinium compound, while the fixative is preferably formalin. In especially preferred embodiments, methods are provided whereby whole body animal specimens may be prepared for magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy by perfusing a MR contrast agent intravascularly of the animal specimen sequentially (a) into a jugular vein and out a carotid artery of the specimen, (b) into a carotid artery and out a jugular vein of the specimen, (c) into a carotid artery and out a femoral artery of the specimen; and then (d) into a jugular vein and out a femoral vein of the specimens.