MR imaging of mouse heart in vivo using a specialized probehead and gradient system

Preliminary results of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of cardiac function in mice in vivo, using the homebuilt gradient coils and specialized RF probehead are demonstrated. An unshielded gradient system with inner diameter of 60 mm was designed and constructed for the 4.7T/310 magnet with MARAN DRX console (Resonance Instruments). Dedicated probehead, constructed to fit the gradient system, consists of the RF birdcage coil and the animal handling system. ECG-triggered cine images of eight FVB (wild-type) and four transgenic mice with heart failure (Tg alpha q*44) were acquired at physiological temperature (37 degrees C) with a good quality of multislice images in different phases of the cardiac cycle, as well as a good contrast between myocardium and flowing blood. This technique allowed the calculation of the end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes of working heart that could be used to monitor the development of heart failure in vivo in Tg alpha q*44 mice.