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Does magnetic resonance imaging compromise integrity of the blood-brain barrier?
1Division of Biological Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ont.
Abstract:
It has been reported that a standard clinical procedure of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) carried out experimentally in the rat caused temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier. Electron micrography indicated blood-to-brain movement of horseradish peroxidase, a protein tracer that does not normally permeate the barrier. In the present study, permeability-area products (PA), describing the limited permeation of blood-borne [14C]sucrose into brain parenchyma, were measured in anesthetized rats subjected either to 23 min of MRI, to osmotic barrier opening by intracarotid infusion of hypertonic arabinose, or to control conditions. Osmotic opening caused manyfold increases in PA whereas MRI produced no change. The proposal that MRI can compromise integrity of the blood-brain barrier is not supported by these findings.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not open the blood-brain barrier. Studies show MRI did not increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier in rats, contrary to previous reports.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Physiology
Background:
- Previous reports suggested magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in rats.
- Electron microscopy indicated BBB disruption with movement of horseradish peroxidase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether standard clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compromises the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.
- To compare the effects of MRI with osmotic BBB opening on brain parenchyma permeability.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to 23 minutes of MRI, osmotic BBB opening via intracarotid hypertonic arabinose infusion, or control conditions.
- Permeability-area products (PA) for [14C]sucrose were measured to quantify BBB permeability.
Main Results:
- Osmotic BBB opening resulted in a significant, manyfold increase in PA.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not produce any significant change in PA compared to control conditions.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the proposal that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can compromise blood-brain barrier integrity.
- Standard clinical MRI appears safe concerning blood-brain barrier permeability in rats.