Structural Magnetic Resoncne Imaging of Zebrafish Brain Using Dedicated Radio Frequency Microcoils

Viktor Vegh¹, Miriam Ariens¹, Jeremy Ullmann¹, Nyoman Kurniawan¹, David Reutens¹

We developed five different 5mm radio frequency solenoid coils for ex vivo structural imaging of the zebrafish brain. We investigated the use of different conductors and coatings, and configuration of the radio frequency electronic circuit. We analysed the five coils based on signal-to-ratio maps. Using the best performing coil, we were able to obtain images of the adult zebrafish brain with six micron resolution. We compared our findings to an image obtained using the scanner proprietary 5mm radio frequency coil. A significant improvement in image detail was evident with the use of the new coil.