Manganese and MRI of brain development

Divalent manganese ion Mn2+ is paramagnetic and has played an important role in the history of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and in Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI). In another way it can be taken up by neurons as an analog to Ca2+. So, particular interest in the use of Mn2+ stems from its potential as an MRI contrast for cerebral studies on normal rodent and on experimental models of diseases. This work presents the three major classes of applications of the Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MEMRI) for brain experimental studies. The utility of MEMRI method for following development of the brain in physiological and pathological states is particularly pointed out. (C) 2010 Academic des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.