The human embryo development through MMR

This study evaluates the use of the Microscopic Magnetic Resonance (MMR) in the human prenatal development. Human embryos (8mm, 15mm, 18mm and 22mm in length) fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde were used. Results were compared with light microscopy (LM) images. The internal configuration of the embryos ca n be clearly observed as well as many organs such as liver, lungs, heart, i ncluding their spatial relationships. In general MMR sections are less clea r and show minor details than those by LM. Neverthless, many advantages are provided by using this technique. For example it is possible: a) to make t hree-dimensional (3-D) surface and internal full or partial reconstructions ; b) to evaluate the presence of developmental anomalies; c) to evaluate th e tissular preservation degree of the specimens; and d) to apply morphometr ic techniques to unfixed specimens. In our opinion the advantages derived b y using MMR are many and overcome the disadvantages. This study demonstrate s that MMR can be incorporated into ordinary laboratory techniques in human development studies, being also an initial election technique opposite to others more aggressive.