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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Acquiring Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Images of Lung Ventilation
Published on: November 21, 2023
Hyperpolarized 129Xe lung MRI in spontaneously breathing mice with respiratory gated fast imaging and its application
Hirohiko Imai1, Atsuomi Kimura, Yuki Hori
1Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
In the present study, a balanced steady-state free precession pulse sequence combined with compressed sensing was applied to hyperpolarized (129) Xe lung imaging in spontaneously breathing mice. With the aid of fast imaging techniques, the temporal resolution was markedly improved in the resulting images. Using these protocols and respiratory gating, (129) Xe lung images in end-inspiratory and end-expiratory phases were obtained successfully. The application of these techniques for pulmonary functional imaging made it possible to simultaneously evaluate regional ventilation and gas exchange in the same animal. A comparative study between healthy and elastase-induced mouse models of emphysema showed abnormal ventilation as well as gas exchange in elastase-treated mice.
Insights
This study introduces advanced hyperpolarized Xenon-129 (129Xe) MRI techniques for improved lung imaging in mice. These methods successfully visualized ventilation and gas exchange, revealing abnormalities in emphysema models.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biophysics
Background:
- Hyperpolarized (129)Xe MRI is a powerful tool for lung imaging.
- Assessing regional lung function, including ventilation and gas exchange, is crucial for understanding pulmonary diseases.
- Current imaging techniques may face limitations in temporal resolution and simultaneous functional assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply advanced (129)Xe MRI techniques for enhanced temporal resolution in spontaneously breathing mice.
- To enable simultaneous evaluation of regional ventilation and gas exchange.
- To compare lung function in healthy and emphysema models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a balanced steady-state free precession pulse sequence combined with compressed sensing for (129)Xe lung imaging.
- Implemented fast imaging techniques and respiratory gating to acquire end-inspiratory and end-expiratory images.
- Applied the developed protocols to healthy and elastase-induced emphysema mouse models.
Main Results:
- Achieved markedly improved temporal resolution in (129)Xe lung images.
- Successfully obtained lung images in both end-inspiratory and end-expiratory phases.
- Demonstrated the capability to simultaneously evaluate regional ventilation and gas exchange.
- Identified abnormal ventilation and gas exchange in elastase-treated emphysema models compared to healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- The combination of balanced SSFP, compressed sensing, and respiratory gating significantly enhances (129)Xe MRI for pulmonary functional imaging.
- This technique allows for simultaneous assessment of regional ventilation and gas exchange in mice.
- The study successfully differentiated functional lung abnormalities in an emphysema model, highlighting its potential for disease research.
