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Updated: Sep 30, 2026
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MS-325) in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Christoph U Herborn1, Ralph Waldschuetz, Thomas C Lauenstein
1Department of Diagnostic and International Radiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. christoph.herborn@uniessen.de
Rationale And Objectives:
To investigate whether inflammatory activity can be evaluated by MRI with an intravascular compound (MS-325) in Desoxyribonuclease I (Dnase1)-deficient mice, which show classical symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Methods:
Dnase1-deficient and normal mice (both groups n = 10) underwent MRI with a body weight adapted dose of MS-325 on a 1.5 T whole body scanner equipped with a dedicated surface coil. MR images of the kidneys and the aorta and signal to noise ratios prior and post contrast administration were compared with histopathology in all animals.
Results:
Dnase1-knockout mice demonstrated aortic-wall enhancement and inhomogeneous-renal enhancement with significantly higher SNR values corresponding to microscopically proved inflammatory changes (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
MS-325-enhanced MRI appears to be a sensitive tool for the detection of renal and vascular involvement in this animal model. In addition, this method may facilitate assessment of therapeutic approaches in patients with SLE in the future.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with MS-325 effectively detected inflammation in Desoxyribonuclease I (Dnase1)-deficient mice, modeling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This MRI technique shows promise for evaluating disease and potential therapies in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Immunology
- Animal Models of Disease
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation.
- Desoxyribonuclease I (Dnase1)-deficient mice exhibit symptoms mirroring human SLE.
- Assessing inflammatory activity in SLE requires sensitive diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of MRI with an intravascular contrast agent (MS-325) for detecting inflammatory activity.
- To investigate MS-325 enhanced MRI in Dnase1-deficient mice as a model for SLE.
- To correlate MRI findings with histopathological evidence of inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Dnase1-deficient and normal mice (n=10 each) underwent MRI using MS-325 contrast agent on a 1.5 T scanner.
- MR images focused on kidneys and aorta, with signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) measured pre- and post-contrast.
- Image analysis was compared with histopathology findings.
Main Results:
- Dnase1-knockout mice showed significant aortic wall and inhomogeneous renal enhancement.
- Higher SNR values in knockout mice correlated with confirmed microscopic inflammatory changes (P < 0.05).
- MS-325 enhanced MRI revealed inflammatory activity in the kidneys and vasculature.
Conclusions:
- MS-325 enhanced MRI is a sensitive method for detecting renal and vascular inflammation in this SLE mouse model.
- This imaging approach may aid in assessing therapeutic interventions for SLE.
- MRI with MS-325 offers a potential tool for future clinical applications in SLE management.
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