Atherosclerotic lesions in genetically modified mice quantified in vivo by non-invasive high-resolution magnetic resonance microscopy
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Updated: Oct 1, 2026
Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2019
Robin P Choudhury1, J Gilberto Aguinaldo, James X Rong
1The Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Box 1030, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA.
Abstract:
We have previously shown that magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) accurately quantifies atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice aged 36-84 weeks. The present study tests MRM in the quantification of aortic atherosclerosis over a broader range of lesion severity. Younger mice with less advanced disease were imaged in order to evaluate sensitivity, specificity and maximum practical resolution of MRM. Nineteen mice underwent in vivo MRM. Wall area measurements by MRM and light microscopy (LM) (n=43) were highly correlated (r=0.85, slope=0.88, P<0.0001). Wall areas by MRM ranged from 0.114 to 0.934 (median, 0.334) mm(2). A threshold of 0.35 mm(2), for the upper limit of normal, gave MRM positive predictive value (PPV) for detecting abnormally thickened arteries=89.5% and negative predictive value (NPV)=75%, referred to LM. Lesion shape assessed by LM and MRM were also well correlated (r=0.72, P<0.001). Increased wall area in atherosclerosis was found by MRM (P=0.01) and LM (P<0.0001) to be accommodated entirely by 'positive remodeling', confirming the importance of determining plaque size directly. MRM accurately quantifies mouse aortic atherosclerosis and will enhance studies in this important animal model.
Insights
Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) accurately quantifies atherosclerosis in mouse aortas across a wide range of disease severity. This advanced imaging technique is valuable for studying atherosclerosis in mouse models.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Imaging
- Animal Models
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice are a key model for studying atherosclerosis.
- Accurate quantification of atherosclerotic lesions is crucial for evaluating disease progression and therapeutic interventions.
- Previous studies established Magnetic Resonance Microscopy (MRM) for quantifying atherosclerosis in older ApoE(-/-) mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and resolution of MRM for quantifying aortic atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice with a broader range of lesion severity, including younger mice with less advanced disease.
- To assess the correlation between MRM and light microscopy (LM) for wall area and lesion shape measurements.
- To determine the utility of MRM in detecting positive remodeling in atherosclerotic arteries.
Main Methods:
- In vivo MRM was performed on nineteen ApoE(-/-) mice.
- Aortic wall areas were measured using MRM and compared with LM measurements from 43 mice.
- Lesion shape was assessed by both LM and MRM.
- Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using a threshold of 0.35 mm(2) for abnormally thickened arteries.
Main Results:
- MRM wall area measurements showed a high correlation with LM (r=0.85, P<0.0001).
- MRM accurately measured wall areas ranging from 0.114 to 0.934 mm(2).
- MRM demonstrated good PPV (89.5%) and NPV (75%) for detecting thickened arteries compared to LM.
- Lesion shape correlation between MRM and LM was also significant (r=0.72, P<0.001).
- Both MRM and LM confirmed that increased wall area was due to positive remodeling.
Conclusions:
- MRM is a validated and accurate method for quantifying aortic atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice across varying disease severities.
- MRM's ability to assess lesion size and shape, and detect positive remodeling, enhances its utility in atherosclerosis research.
- MRM will be a valuable tool for future studies utilizing this important animal model for cardiovascular disease research.
