Abstract #3399

Cheng H, Duong T, Liu Y

Synopsis Three distinct anatomical layers in the rat retina were resolved using manganese (Mn) enhanced MRI. The inner and outer layers were significantly more enhanced than the middle layer by Mn. Gd-DTPA enhanced T1-weighted images was used to enhance signals from vascular layers located at two opposing boundaries of the retinal thickness. The Mn-enhancement differences between awake + ambient light and anesthesia + dark was substantial, suggesting activity-dependent accumulation of Mn in the retina. Manganese-enhancement MRI thus offers a unique means to investigate structure and function of the retina with laminar specificity, which may be altered in retinal diseases.