Quantitative Assessment of Mouse Physiological Parameters Using 1T MRI

The 1.0 T small-animal MRI system, launched by Niumag in 2016, is the company’s highest-field-strength MRI instrument to date. Featuring a 1.0 T permanent magnet with excellent field homogeneity and a high-performance gradient system, it delivers superior image resolution and opens up new directions for research. Coils are customised to fit different animal sizes, finely tuned to maximise signal-to-noise ratio and image clarity, and enable ultra-thin slice scanning (down to 0.8 mm) at any angle or plane. The system retains Niumag’s classic three-step imaging software and integrates newly developed multifunctional image-processing software, making post-acquisition analysis simple and efficient.

The 1 T MRI enables quantitative assessment of mouse physiology, including tissue volume, tumour size, and contrast-agent enhancement. This non-lethal, fast, and straightforward approach increases the reliability, speed, and continuity of experimental results.

The mouse tumour measured 3.8 mm in diameter. Half an hour after administration of a novel Mn-chelate contrast agent, analysis of average grayscale values revealed significant contrast enhancement in both the liver and the tumour.

A 44.8 g mouse: kidney volume measured by MRI was 0.315 cm³; anatomical reference (water displacement method) measured 0.293 cm³. Imaging time: 10 minutes.