Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Biologically relevant small animal models have become important tools for the study of the fundamental aspects of human system function and dysfunction. Understanding has been greatly enhanced by observing changes, at systemic, organ, tissue, cell, and molecular level, in response to different physiological or environmental conditions and disease states, under prescribed experimental conditions. In vivo assessments eliminate the need to sacrifice the animal, precluding collection of longitudinal data. In vivo imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have thus greatly enhanced such research.