Abstract #0963

Chugh B, Henkelman R, Sled J, Yu L

A new method for high resolution mapping of vascular density in the mouse brain is described that uses micro-CT and high resolution MRI. In this method an intravascular contrast agent that is visible in both CT and MRI is employed so that images of the same specimen can be registered on the basis of neurovascular landmarks. This accurate registration permitted a flat map reconstructed from the MRI of the cerebral cortex to be combined with the corresponding CT data to yield blood density maps over the cortex. These blood density maps reveal quantitative differences in vasculature between the cerebral cortex and the whole brain.