High resolution magnetic resonance angiography non-invasively reveals mouse strain differences in the cerebrovascular anatomy in vivo

High resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed highly variab le arterial cerebrovascular structures in mice from different strains and w ithin the same strain. C57Black/6 mice presented small unilateral anastomos es between the posterior cerebral and the superior cerebellar arteries. Wel l developed, either unilateral or bilateral, posterior communicating arteri es (PcomA) were detected on CBA mice. The arterial structure of CD1 mice ra nged from no detectable anastomoses to well developed, unilateral PcomAs. S V-129 mice showed significantly shorter middle cerebral arteries compared t o the other strains, and clear bilateral anastomoses between the posterior cerebral and the superior cerebellar arteries. Because of its non-invasiven ess, MRA may be of importance in murine stroke studies by enabling the sele ction of animals and/or the side for performing the surgical intervention, and the verification of its success. Magn Reson Med 44:252-258, 2000. (C) 2 000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.