Noninvasive and simultaneous imaging of layer-specific retinal functional adaptation by manganese-enhanced MRI

Berkowitz, Bruce A., et al. "Noninvasive and simultaneous imaging of layer-specific retinal functional adaptation by manganese-enhanced MRI."Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 47.6 (2006): 2668-2674. In order t measure the cellular demand for ions in light/dark adaptation environments in both the inner and outer layers of the retina Dr. Berkowitz utilized functional manganese-enhanced MRI. Although his studies were focused in the eye, his toxicity studies still give us some insight on manganese affects in vivo. It was after extensive studies examining blood retinal barrier integrity and comparative histology that it was established single I.P doses of manganese at 44mg/kg produced no toxic effects. Specifically, the rats were injected with manganese chloride and then examined one month later for ocular health finding no significant differences between control and manganese injected rats histology slices, blood retinal function, and retinal thickness. After toxicity studies, Dr Berkowitz was also able to show as expected retinal layer differences in ion utilization under both light and dark adaptations. ~JI