Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Contrast Enhanced Vessel Imaging using MicroCT
Published on: January 27, 2011
Contrast enhancement in atherosclerosis development in a mouse model: in vivo results at 2 Tesla
L Chaabane1, N Pellet, M C Bourdillon
1Laboratoire de RMN UMR CNRS 5012, UCB Lyon1-ESCPE, 69622, Villeurbanne, France.
Abstract:
To develop an MRI method for the evaluation of contrast enhancement in early atherosclerotic plaque development in the abdominal aorta of a mouse model. Male apoE-/- mice from three groups, respectively 4 (n = 6), 8 (n = 11) and 16 (n = 4) weeks were included. Axial T1 spin echo images of the abdominal aorta were obtained above and below the renal arteries (90 microm spatial resolution) before and over 1 h after the injection of a macromolecular contrast agent. Signal enhancement was measured in the vessel wall and compared to histological features. Maximal arterial wall signal enhancement was obtained from 16 to 32 min post injection. During this time, the signal-to-noise ratio increased by a factor up to 1.7 in 16 week mice and 2.7 and 2.4 in 8 and 4 weeks mice, respectively. The enhancement of the arterial wall appeared less pronounced in the oldest mice, 16 weeks old, exhibiting more advanced lesions. Using a macromolecular gadolinium agent, contrast uptake in atherogenesis varies with lesion stage and may be related to vessel-wall permeability. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI may be useful to evaluate the atherosclerotic plaque activity in mice.
Insights
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI effectively visualizes early atherosclerotic plaque development in mice. This method tracks contrast uptake, revealing variations in plaque activity and vessel permeability during atherogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Cardiovascular Research
- Mouse Models
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease affecting arteries.
- Early detection of atherosclerotic plaque development is crucial.
- Mouse models, like apoE-/- mice, are vital for studying atherogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method.
- To assess contrast enhancement in early atherosclerotic plaque development.
- To investigate plaque activity in the abdominal aorta of a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized male apoE-/- mice at 4, 8, and 16 weeks of age.
- Acquired axial T1 spin echo MRI images of the abdominal aorta.
- Administered a macromolecular contrast agent and performed dynamic imaging for over 1 hour.
Main Results:
- Maximal arterial wall signal enhancement occurred 16-32 minutes post-injection.
- Signal-to-noise ratio increased significantly, especially in younger mice.
- Contrast enhancement was less pronounced in older mice with advanced lesions, suggesting altered vessel permeability.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI can evaluate atherosclerotic plaque activity in mice.
- Contrast uptake varies with lesion stage and may correlate with vessel-wall permeability.
- This MRI technique offers a valuable tool for studying early atherogenesis.
More Related Videos
11:45Generation and 3-Dimensional Quantitation of Arterial Lesions in Mice Using Optical Projection Tomography
Published on: May 26, 2015
12:15Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease
Published on: February 8, 2022