Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI-Derived Renal Perfusion and Filtration: Experimental Protocol

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Renal Physiology
• Pharmacokinetics

Background:

• Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) offers a noninvasive approach to evaluate renal function.
• Gadolinium-based contrast agents are utilized to assess parameters like renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rates.
• Small animal models are crucial for studying renal (patho)physiology under experimental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a standardized, step-by-step protocol for conducting DCE-MRI studies in small animals.
• To provide practical guidance on acquisition parameters, imaging sequences, and T1 mapping procedures.
• To enhance the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers, building upon the COST Action PARENCHIMA framework.

Main Methods:

• Detailed protocol for small animal DCE-MRI acquisition.
• Guidance on selecting appropriate MRI sequences and acquisition parameters.
• Methodology for T1 mapping to quantify contrast agent dynamics.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive protocol enabling noninvasive assessment of renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rates in rodents.
• Practical notes and considerations for optimizing DCE-MRI data acquisition.
• Foundation for reproducible renal MRI biomarker studies.

Conclusions:

• The described DCE-MRI protocol provides a robust method for in vivo renal functional assessment in small animals.
• Standardization of this protocol can improve the reliability of renal MRI biomarkers in research.
• This work contributes to the advancement of noninvasive renal imaging techniques.