Effects of the interaction between ferric iron and L‐dopa melanin on T1 and T2 relaxation times determined by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract
T1 and T2 relaxation times of agar phantoms containing L‐dopa melanin and Fe3+ were measured under MRI conditions. Fe3+ shortened T1 and T2 relaxation times. Melanin influenced relaxation times only in the presence of Fe3+; thus, contrast in MR images of the basal ganglia may depend upon levels of both paramagnetic iron and neuromelanin.