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Dynamic, contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI in mouse gliomas: correlation with histopathology
Soonmee Cha1, Glyn Johnson, Youssef Zaim Wadghiri
1Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to develop an MRI protocol to evaluate the growth and vascularity of implanted GL261 mouse gliomas on a 7T microimaging system. Both conventional T(1)- and T(2)-weighted imaging and dynamic, contrast-enhanced T(2)*-weighted imaging were performed on 34 mice at different stages of tumor development. MRI measurements of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) were compared to histological assessments of microvascular density (MVD). Enhancement on postcontrast T(1)-weighted images was compared to histological assessments of Evan's blue extravasation. Conventional T(2)-weighted and postcontrast T(1)-weighted images demonstrated tumor growth characteristics consistent with previous descriptions of GL261 glioma. Furthermore, measurements of rCBV from MRI data were in good agreement with histological measurements of MVD from the same tumors. Postcontrast enhancement on T(1)-weighted images was observed at all stages of GL261 glioma progression, even before evidence of angiogenesis, indicating that the mechanism of conventional contrast enhancement in MRI does not require neovascularization. These results provide quantitative support for MRI approaches currently used to assess human brain tumors, and form the basis for future studies of angiogenesis in genetically engineered mouse brain tumor models.
Insights
This study developed an MRI protocol for evaluating GL261 mouse glioma growth and vascularity. MRI measurements of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) correlated well with microvascular density (MVD) in tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- GL261 mouse glioma is a common model for studying human brain tumors.
- Accurate assessment of tumor growth and vascularity is crucial for treatment evaluation.
- Existing MRI techniques require validation in preclinical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a 7T MRI protocol for assessing GL261 glioma growth and vascularity.
- To compare MRI-derived metrics with histological findings.
- To investigate the relationship between contrast enhancement and neovascularization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized conventional T(1)- and T(2)-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced T(2)*-weighted imaging.
- Performed MRI on 34 mice with GL261 gliomas at various developmental stages.
- Compared MRI measurements of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) to histological microvascular density (MVD).
Main Results:
- Conventional MRI accurately depicted GL261 glioma growth.
- MRI-derived rCBV showed strong agreement with histological MVD.
- Contrast enhancement on T(1)-weighted images occurred even before angiogenesis, suggesting it doesn't solely rely on neovascularization.
Conclusions:
- The developed MRI protocol effectively evaluates GL261 glioma growth and vascularity.
- MRI-based rCBV is a reliable surrogate for MVD.
- Conventional contrast enhancement in MRI is not exclusively dependent on neovascularization, supporting its use in human brain tumor assessment.
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