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Finding an effective MRI sequence to visualise the electroporated area in plant-based models by quantitative mapping
Athul Thomas1, Teresa Nolte1, Marco Baragona2
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|May 26, 2023
Summary
Plant-based models using MRI can visualize electroporation in cancer research. FLAIR MRI sequences best highlighted electroporation in potatoes, showing significant changes in tissue relaxation times and diffusion coefficients.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Medical Imaging
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Electroporation, particularly irreversible electroporation (IRE), is a promising cancer treatment modality.
- Plant-based models offer a viable alternative to animal studies for IRE research.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for visualizing tissue changes post-electroporation, but contrast optimization is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically analyze MRI contrast in electroporated plant tissues (apples and potatoes) using various sequences.
- To determine optimal MRI sequence parameters for visualizing electroporation-induced changes.
- To quantify changes in T1 and T2 relaxation times and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in response to electroporation.
Main Methods:
- Numerical analysis of MRI contrast at 1.5 T across DWI, T1W, T2W, T2*W, PDW, and FLAIR sequences.
- Electroporation of apples (N=4) and potatoes (N=8), with imaging performed 4 hours post-procedure.
- Quantitative parameter mapping in potatoes (N=4) to determine T1, T2 relaxation times, and ADC values.
Main Results:
- FLAIR sequence provided the best contrast for electroporated zones in potatoes; apples showed poor visibility across all sequences.
- Electroporation significantly decreased T1 relaxation time by 29% and T2 relaxation time by 12% in potatoes.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) increased by 11% in electroporated potato tissue.
- Optimal contrast parameters included inversion time (TI) of 1000 ms, low echo time (TE), and high b-value.
- T1 relaxation time was the most sensitive parameter to electroporation-induced tissue alterations.
Conclusions:
- FLAIR MRI is effective for visualizing electroporation in potato tissue, demonstrating significant biophysical changes.
- T1 relaxation time is a key indicator of electroporation-mediated tissue modifications.
- This methodology and findings can guide future research for high-contrast MRI of electroporated tissues, potentially reducing animal testing.
