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 variable arterial cerebrovascular structures in mice from different strains and within the same strain. C57Black/6 mice presented small unilateral anastomoses between the posterior cerebral and the superior cerebellar arteries. Well developed, either unilateral or bilateral, posterior communicating arteries (PcomA) were detected on CBA mice. The arterial structure of CD1 mice ranged from no detectable anastomoses to well developed, unilateral PcomAs. SV-129 mice showed significantly shorter middle cerebral arteries compared to the other strains, and clear bilateral anastomoses between the posterior cerebral and the superior cerebellar arteries. Because of its non-invasiveness, MRA may be of importance in murine stroke studies by enabling the selection of animals and/or the side for performing the surgical intervention, and the verification of its success. Magn Reson Med 44:252-258, 2000.