High‐resolution in vivo CBV mapping with MRI in wild‐type mice

NMR microimaging has the potential to elucidate cerebrovascular abnormalities in mouse models. In this study, the relative regional cerebral blood volume (CBV) map is presented for C57BL6/J wild‐type mice. The CBV mapping was based on changes in the steady‐state NMR transverse relaxation rate (Δ R 2 ) associated with the presence of a superparamagnetic intravascular contrast agent (MION) with a long blood halflife. The experiments were performed at 9.4 T at a voxel size of 100 μm × 100 μm × 600 μm. Fine details, such as the hippocampal and olfactory bulb area, were visualized in the CBV map. The relative regional CBV values of various brain regions were measured. The Δ R 2 dosage dependency and MION tissue clearance in mouse are also reported. Magn Reson Med 49:765–770, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.