Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of fresh and frozen-thawed trout

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to visualise the major organ s and muscular-skeletal framework of fresh rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in two dimensions, and to identify the spatial distribution of lipid- and c ollagen-rich tissues. Quantitative MRI provides the MR parameters (T-1, T-2 , M-0, T-1(sat), M-sat/M-0, and the Magnetisation Transfer (MT) rate) for t he tissue water; variations in those parameters enable distinction to be ma de between a freshly killed trout and one which has been frozen-thawed. The effects of freezing method, repeat freeze-thawing, and storage time on the MR parameters are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.