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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
3D Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Respiratory Motion in Mechanically Ventilated Mice and Rats
Published on: September 19, 2025
High-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of mouse lung in situ
Miriam Scadeng1, Harry B Rossiter, David J Dubowitz
1Department of Radiology, Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA.
Objectives:
This study establishes a method for high-resolution isotropic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of mouse lungs using tracheal liquid-instillation to remove MR susceptibility artifacts.
Methods:
C57BL/6J mice were instilled sequentially with perfluorocarbon and phosphate-buffered saline to an airway pressure of 10, 20, or 30 cm H2O. Imaging was performed in a 7T MR scanner using a 2.5-cm Quadrature volume coil and a 3-dimensional (3D) FLASH imaging sequence.
Results:
Liquid-instillation removed magnetic susceptibility artifacts and allowed lung structure to be viewed at an isotropic resolution of 78-90 microm. Instilled liquid and modeled lung volumes were well correlated (R = 0.92; P < 0.05) and differed by a constant tissue volume (220 +/- 92 microL). 3D image renderings allowed differences in structural dimensions (volumes and areas) to be accurately measured at each inflation pressure.
Conclusion:
These data demonstrate the efficacy of pulmonary liquid instillation for in situ high-resolution MR imaging of mouse lungs for accurate measurement of pulmonary airway, parenchymal, and vascular structures.
Insights
This study introduces a novel method using liquid instillation for high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of mouse lungs. This technique effectively removes artifacts, enabling precise visualization of pulmonary structures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Pulmonary Research
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of mouse lungs is challenged by susceptibility artifacts.
- High-resolution imaging is crucial for detailed analysis of pulmonary structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a method for high-resolution isotropic MR imaging of mouse lungs.
- To utilize tracheal liquid instillation to mitigate MR susceptibility artifacts.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6J mice underwent sequential tracheal instillation of perfluorocarbon and phosphate-buffered saline.
- Imaging was performed at 7T MR using a 2.5-cm Quadrature volume coil and 3D FLASH sequence at varying airway pressures.
- Liquid instillation was performed to airway pressures of 10, 20, or 30 cm H2O.
Main Results:
- Liquid instillation successfully removed magnetic susceptibility artifacts.
- Isotropic resolution of 78-90 micrometers allowed clear visualization of lung structures.
- Instilled liquid and modeled lung volumes showed strong correlation (R=0.92, P<0.05), with a consistent tissue volume difference.
- 3D image renderings enabled accurate measurement of structural dimensions at different inflation pressures.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary liquid instillation is effective for in situ high-resolution MR imaging of mouse lungs.
- This method facilitates accurate measurement of pulmonary airway, parenchymal, and vascular structures.
- The technique enhances the utility of MR imaging for preclinical pulmonary research.