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Updated: May 29, 2026
Simultaneous PET/MRI Imaging During Mouse Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: September 20, 2015
Cerebral perfusion MRI in mice
Frank Kober1, Guillaume Duhamel, Virginie Callot
1Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale (CRMBM), UMR 6612, CNRS, Université de la Méditerranée, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France. frank.kober@univmed.fr
Abstract:
Perfusion MRI is a tool to assess the spatial distribution of microvascular blood flow. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is shown here to be advantageous for quantification of cerebral microvascular blood flow (CBF) in rodents. This technique is today ready for assessment of a variety of murine models of human pathology including those associated with diffuse microvascular dysfunction. This chapter provides an introduction to the principles of CBF measurements by MRI along with a short overview over applications in which these measurements were found useful. The basics of commonly employed specific arterial spin-labeling techniques are described and theory is outlined in order to give the reader the ability to set up adequate post-processing tools. Three typical MR protocols for pulsed ASL on two different MRI systems are described in detail along with all necessary sequence parameters and technical requirements. The importance of the different parameters entering theory is discussed. Particular steps for animal preparation and maintenance during the experiment are given, since CBF regulation is sensitive to a number of experimental physiological parameters and influenced mainly by anesthesia and body temperature.
Insights
Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI quantifies rodent cerebral blood flow (CBF), aiding research into human diseases. This technique is valuable for studying microvascular dysfunction in various murine models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Perfusion MRI assesses microvascular blood flow distribution.
- Arterial spin labeling (ASL) offers advantages for quantifying cerebral blood flow (CBF) in rodents.
- ASL is suitable for evaluating murine models of human pathology, particularly those with diffuse microvascular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce the principles of CBF measurement using MRI.
- Provide an overview of ASL applications in research.
- Equip readers with the knowledge to set up post-processing tools for ASL data.
Main Methods:
- Describe the basics of commonly used ASL techniques.
- Outline the underlying theory for ASL measurements.
- Detail three MR protocols for pulsed ASL on different MRI systems, including parameters and requirements.
Main Results:
- Discuss the significance of various theoretical parameters in ASL.
- Provide specific steps for animal preparation and maintenance during experiments.
- Highlight the sensitivity of CBF regulation to physiological parameters like anesthesia and body temperature.
Conclusions:
- ASL MRI is a powerful tool for quantifying rodent CBF.
- The technique is applicable to diverse murine models of human diseases.
- Understanding ASL principles and experimental parameters is crucial for accurate results.
