Temporal changes in the T(1) and T(2) relaxation rates (DeltaR(1) and DeltaR(2)) in rat olfactory bulb (OB) and cortex were compared with the absolute manganese (Mn) concentrations from the corresponding excised tissue samples. In vivo T(1) and T(2) relaxation times were measured before, and at 1, 7, 28, and 35 d after intravenous infusion of 176 mg/kg MnCl(2). The values of DeltaR(1), DeltaR(2), and absolute Mn concentration peaked at day 1 and then declined to near control levels after 28 to 35 d. The Mn bioelimination rate from the rat brain was significantly faster than that reported using radioisotope techniques. The R(1) and R(2) relaxation rates were linearly proportional to the underlying tissue Mn concentration and reflect the total absolute amount of Mn present in the tissue. The in vivo Mn r(1) and r(2) tissue relaxivities were comparable to the in vitro values for aqueous Mn(2+). These results demonstrate that loss of manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) contrast after systemic Mn(2+) administration is due to elimination of Mn(2+) from the brain.