Robert J. Lipinski1, Wade Bushman1, Ian J. Rowland2
1Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA; 2Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
In utero exposure to the teratogen cyclopamine produces orofacial defects in mice that phenotypically mimic human cleft lip and palate defects. Using 3D MR imaging of E16.5 mouse embryos soaked in contrast agent, the fidelity of the model has been investigated. External clefts of the lip were visualized by 3D volumetric rendering while internal cleft palate defects were easily identifiable in 2D virtual sections. These studies establish the suitability of MRI to phenotypically assess embryonic mouse models.of developmental defects.