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Updated: May 29, 2026
Murine Spinotrapezius Model to Assess the Impact of Arteriolar Ligation on Microvascular Function and Remodeling
Published on: March 3, 2013
MR for the investigation of murine vasculature
Christoph Jacoby1, Ulrich Flögel
1Institut für Herz-und Kreislaufphysiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany. christoph.jacoby@uni-duesseldorf.de
Abstract:
The investigation of alterations in vessel morphology of transgenic mouse models generally requires time-consuming and laborious planimetry of histological sections. This postmortem analysis is per se restricted to endpoint studies and, furthermore, may reflect the situation in vivo to a limited degree only. For the repetitive and noninvasive monitoring of dynamic changes in the murine vasculature, several protocols for high-resolution 3D MR angiography (MRA) at a vertical 9.4 T system are described. These protocols are based on flow-compensated 3D gradient echo sequences with application-dependent spatial resolution, resulting in voxel sizes between 1 and 13 nL. To ensure constant physiological conditions, particular attention is paid to minimize the acquisition time. All measurements are carried out without a contrast agent to avoid temporal inconstancy of the contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) as well as toxic side effects. Moreover, metabolic alterations as a consequence of disturbed vascularization and blood supply are monitored by (31)P MR spectroscopy.
Insights
This study introduces noninvasive 3D MR angiography (MRA) protocols for tracking changes in mouse blood vessels. These methods enable dynamic monitoring of murine vasculature without contrast agents, overcoming limitations of traditional histological analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical imaging
- Vascular biology
- Translational research
Background:
- Investigating vessel morphology in transgenic mice typically involves time-consuming histological planimetry.
- Postmortem analysis is limited to endpoint studies and may not accurately reflect in vivo conditions.
- There is a need for noninvasive, repetitive methods to monitor dynamic vascular changes in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe high-resolution 3D MR angiography (MRA) protocols for noninvasive, dynamic monitoring of the murine vasculature.
- To establish methods for repetitive assessment of vascular morphology and function in vivo.
- To complement MRA with MR spectroscopy for metabolic monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Development of flow-compensated 3D gradient echo sequences for 3D MRA on a 9.4 T vertical MR system.
- Optimization of spatial resolution (1-13 nL voxel size) and minimization of acquisition time for constant physiological conditions.
- Application of (31)P MR spectroscopy to monitor metabolic alterations related to vascularization.
Main Results:
- Established several protocols for high-resolution 3D MRA in transgenic mouse models.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of noninvasive, dynamic monitoring of murine vasculature without contrast agents.
- Showcased the ability to assess metabolic changes using (31)P MR spectroscopy alongside MRA.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution 3D MRA protocols provide a noninvasive and efficient method for studying dynamic vascular changes in mice.
- These MR-based techniques overcome limitations of traditional histological analyses, enabling longitudinal studies.
- Combined MRA and MR spectroscopy offer a powerful tool for comprehensive vascular and metabolic assessment in preclinical research.
