Imaging Embryonic Brain Lateralization in the Chick

Lateralization originates during embryogenesis as a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger changes in the brain, giving rise to structural and functional differences that might have a life-long impact. Imaging embryonic brain processes in vivo is challenging. Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) is a functional imaging method that can be easily applied to domestic chick embryos to obtain direct evidence of embryonic brain activity during sensory stimulation. The present chapter will describe the MEMRI technique applied to domestic chick embryos and will discuss the perspectives of using advanced neuroimaging techniques for the study of lateralization in this model.