Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Isolation and Analysis of Aortic Arch and Root Lesions in an Atherosclerotic Mouse Model
Published on: February 14, 2025
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Atherosclerotic Mouse Aorta
Jesús Mateo1, Marina Benito2,3, Samuel España2
1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain. jmateo@cnic.es.
Abstract:
Plaque development has been extensively studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in animal models of rapidly progressing atherosclerosis, such as apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-KO) mice. Preclinical MRI plays a significant role in the study of experimental atherosclerosis. Currently, MRI is capable of detecting luminal narrowing, plaque size, and morphology with high accuracy and reproducibility, providing reliable measurements of plaque burden. Therefore, MRI offers a noninvasive approach to serially monitor the progression of the disease. Compared with other imaging modalities, MRI appears to have the greatest potential for plaque characterization, through the use of multiple contrast weightings (e.g., T1, T2, and proton density). Here, we illustrate a standard procedure to image the aorta of atherosclerotic mice using noninvasive MRI.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) noninvasively monitors atherosclerosis plaque development in animal models. This study details a standard MRI procedure for imaging atherosclerotic mouse aortas, aiding disease progression studies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Experimental Atherosclerosis Research
- Preclinical Animal Models
Background:
- Plaque development in atherosclerosis is extensively studied in animal models.
- Apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-KO) mice are commonly used models for rapidly progressing atherosclerosis.
- Preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for studying experimental atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate a standard noninvasive MRI procedure for imaging the aorta of atherosclerotic mice.
- To highlight the role of MRI in assessing plaque burden and morphology.
- To demonstrate MRI's potential for serial monitoring of atherosclerosis progression.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for noninvasive imaging.
- Employing animal models, specifically apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-KO) mice.
- Applying multiple contrast weightings (T1, T2, proton density) for plaque characterization.
Main Results:
- MRI accurately and reproducibly detects luminal narrowing, plaque size, and morphology.
- MRI provides reliable measurements of plaque burden.
- The described procedure enables detailed imaging of atherosclerotic aortas.
Conclusions:
- Noninvasive MRI is a valuable tool for serial monitoring of atherosclerosis progression in preclinical models.
- MRI offers high accuracy and reproducibility in assessing plaque characteristics.
- This standard procedure facilitates robust imaging of atherosclerotic mouse aortas.
