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Observation of post-MCAO cortical inflammatory edema in rats by 7.0 Tesla MRI
Ying Xiong1, Wen-Zhen Zhu1, Qiang Zhang2
1Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Universitiy of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate inflammatory edema after cerebral ischemia through 7.0T MRI and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). All SD rats were randomly divided into sham operated group and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-1 day, -3 day and -7 day groups. MRI scan of the brain was performed on a 7.0 Tesla MRI scanner. The volume of positive signals in the ischemic side was detected by using a T2 weighted spinecho multislice sequence; the changes in the height of water-peak were measured with point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequences; cortical edema was detected by using wet-dry weight method; the degrees of nerve injury were evaluated by Bederson neurological score system; double-labeling immunofluorescence technique was used to explore the molecular mechanisms of post-ischemia cerebral edema. The results showed that high T2WI signals were observed in MCAO-1 day, -3 day and -7 day groups, and the water-peak height and water-peak area of MCAO groups were higher than those of sham operated group (P<0.05). Neurological score results were consistent with the degree of brain edema, and a large number of microglia accumulated in the ischemic cortex. Our results suggested that non-invasive MRI technology with the advantage of high spatial resolution and tissue resolution can comprehensively and dynamically observe inflammatory edema after cerebral ischemia from a three-dimensional space, and contribute to evaluation and treatments in clinic.
Insights
High-resolution 7.0T MRI and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) effectively monitored inflammatory edema after cerebral ischemia in rats. This non-invasive imaging approach aids in evaluating and treating post-ischemia brain swelling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cerebral ischemia leads to inflammatory edema, a critical factor in brain injury.
- Accurate monitoring of edema is crucial for effective clinical treatment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate inflammatory edema following cerebral ischemia using advanced 7.0 Tesla MRI and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).
- To assess the utility of non-invasive MRI techniques for dynamic, three-dimensional observation of post-ischemia cerebral edema.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 7.0 Tesla MRI with T2-weighted imaging and point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequences in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
- Correlated MRI findings with wet-dry weight measurements for cortical edema, Bederson neurological scores for nerve injury, and immunofluorescence for molecular mechanisms.
- Compared MCAO groups (1, 3, and 7 days post-occlusion) with a sham-operated group.
Main Results:
- Elevated T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) signals and increased water-peak height/area were observed in MCAO groups compared to the sham group (P<0.05).
- Neurological scores correlated with the extent of brain edema, and significant microglia accumulation was noted in the ischemic cortex.
- Demonstrated the capability of 7.0T MRI to visualize edema progression and associated neuropathology.
Conclusions:
- 7.0 Tesla MRI and MRS provide a non-invasive, high-resolution method for comprehensive, dynamic, and three-dimensional observation of cerebral ischemic edema.
- These advanced MRI techniques show promise for improving the evaluation and clinical treatment strategies for post-ischemia brain edema.
