Chick embryo is a convenient model for embryologic teratologic studies. We performed the present experimental study to establish the basic technology for magnetic resonance studies of chick embryos and to examine the biochemical changes occurring
during
the development of chick embryos. Fertilized Leghorn eggs were examined by 31-phosphours magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) on days 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 20 after the start of incubation. Spectroscopic data of live embryos were acquired
by
using a 4.7T MR spectrometer, and signals from phosphorous metabolites were analyzed, Total phospholipid signal decreased, which resulted in the overall decrase in total phosphorous signal over time. Signals from other metabolites such as ATPs
and
phcsphocreatine increased over time, while those from inorganic phosphate and sugar phospates decreased. Before the incubation days 12, signals from sugar phosphates and inorganic phosphate were predominant, and other metabolites became
remarkably
functional between the days 12 and 14 when the decrease in the phospholipid signal was significant, Mr specrtroscopy is an effective method in evaluation of the biochemical changes occurring during the developmental period of chick embryos.
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