Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
08:08
An in vivo Rodent Model of Contraction-induced Injury and Non-invasive Monitoring of Recovery
Published on: May 11, 2011
14.6K
Diffusion tensor imaging and T2 mapping in early denervated skeletal muscle in rats
Dong-Ho Ha1, Sunseob Choi1, Eun-Ju Kang1
1Department of Radiology, Dong-A University Medical Center, Busan, Korea.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|December 16, 2014
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fractional anisotropy (FA) and T2 values effectively detect early changes in denervated skeletal muscle. These MRI metrics show temporal alterations in rat models, aiding in understanding muscle response to nerve injury.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Skeletal muscle denervation leads to significant physiological changes.
- Early detection of these changes is crucial for understanding disease progression and potential interventions.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers non-invasive methods to assess tissue properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal evolution of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) indices, T2 values, and signal intensity using various fat suppression techniques.
- To evaluate these parameters in the early stages of denervated skeletal muscle in a rat model.
- To determine the utility of these MRI techniques in characterizing early denervation-induced muscle alterations.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of sciatic nerve transection was used to induce muscle denervation.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and T2 mapping were performed at 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks post-transection.
- Measurements included fractional anisotropy (FA), mean apparent diffusion coefficient (mADC), and T2 values.
- Visual signal intensity changes were assessed on various fat-suppressed images.
- Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon-sign rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and McNemar's test.
Main Results:
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were significantly lower in denervated muscles compared to controls at all time points (P < 0.05).
- Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (mADC) showed a decreasing trend but without statistical significance (P > 0.05).
- T2 values significantly increased at 1 week and markedly increased at 2 weeks post-denervation (P < 0.05).
- Signal intensity changes across different fat suppression techniques (chemical shift selective, STIR, IDEAL) were consistent.
Conclusions:
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) and T2 values are sensitive indicators of early temporal changes in denervated skeletal muscle.
- These DTI and T2 mapping parameters can effectively characterize the initial stages of muscle response to nerve injury in a rat model.
- MRI techniques, particularly FA and T2 mapping, hold promise for non-invasively monitoring denervated muscle.
