In vivo imaging of the rodent placenta.

Our understanding of the structure and function of the placenta and of placental disease have been enhanced by the use of in vivo imaging technologies and rodent models of pregnancy. These technologies share similarities with those used in the clinic to assess and diagnose complications of human pregnancies, providing an easy pathway for advances in rodent imaging and the findings from rodent studies to be translated to humans. Here, we review the available in vivo imaging technologies used in rodent studies of the placenta including magnetic resonance, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, and optical techniques. We synthesize the studies that have used these techniques to investigate placental perfusion, microvascular imaging, metabolism and structure. We also discuss the benefits and limitations of the technologies and provide future directions based on gaps in the present knowledge and limitations of the techniques.