Elemental manganese is present in significant amounts in the environment and is highy neurotoxic, but its hazards are under-recognized (in many cases it carries minimal toxic labeling: e.g., Sigma-Aldrich). It is used also as an MRI contrast agent routinely exposing researchers during use. Our lab has been exploring the mechanisms of toxicity and the pharmacokinetics of manganese.

• Chronic exposure to Mn inhalation

Diffusion Tensor Image (DTI) based tract rendering of fibers crossing through the
Pallidum as defined by the Harvard-Oxford Subcortical Atlas. From PK Douglas Doctoral Dissertation, 2010