3D MR microscopy with resolution 3.7 μm by 3.3 μm by 3.3 μm

The technique of magnetic resonance imaging microscopy holds promise of bringing the full capabilities of NMR to arbitrarily specified positions within spatially inhomogeneous systems, including biological cells, yet the possibilities are limited by the need for adequate sensitivity and spatial resolution. We report proton magnetic resonance images obtained by combining advances in receiver coil sensitivity, gradient strength, and pulse/gradient sequence design. We achieve resolution of 3.7 +/- 0.4 mum by 3.3 +/- 0.3 mum by 3.3 +/- 0.3 mum for a volume resolution similar to40 femtoliters (corresponding to similar to3 x 10(12) proton spins). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.