Gadobenate dimeglumine as a contrast agent for MRI of the mouse liver

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Pharmacokinetics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) is a contrast agent used in MRI.
• Understanding its utility in small animal models, specifically mouse liver imaging, is crucial for research.
• Anesthesia can influence the pharmacokinetics of contrast agents, potentially affecting imaging results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics and utility of Gd-BOPTA for MRI of the mouse liver.
• To evaluate the time course and effectiveness of Gd-BOPTA after intravenous and subcutaneous administration.
• To assess the impact of Gd-BOPTA on liver volumetry reproducibility.

Main Methods:

• Mice were imaged using a T(1)-weighted, 3D FLASH sequence before and after Gd-BOPTA injection.
• Intravenous and subcutaneous injection routes were compared.
• Liver volumetry reproducibility was assessed with and without contrast enhancement.
• The influence of isoflurane anesthesia on contrast effect was examined.

Main Results:

• Gd-BOPTA demonstrated a long-lasting contrast effect in the mouse liver under anesthesia.
• Subcutaneous injection provided delayed but favorable enhancement.
• Contrast washout was accelerated in conscious compared to anesthetized mice.
• A dose of 0.1 mmol/kg was found appropriate for clear liver margin delineation.
• Gd-BOPTA significantly improved inter- and intra-observer reproducibility in liver volumetry.

Conclusions:

• Gd-BOPTA is effective for mouse liver MRI, offering clear visualization of liver borders.
• Both intravenous and subcutaneous administration yield favorable contrast effects.
• Gd-BOPTA enhances the reproducibility of liver volumetry measurements.
• The influence of anesthesia on contrast agent pharmacokinetics must be considered for optimal imaging timing.