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Updated: Oct 27, 2026
Cannula Implantation into the Cisterna Magna of Rodents
Published on: May 23, 2018
MR Imaging-based Evaluation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics in Cynomolgus Monkeys Using 17O-labeled Saline and
Shohei Chatani1, Tatsuya Oki1, Sayaka Misaki1
1Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.
Purpose:
Imaging studies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics are gaining attention. While 17O-labeled saline and gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents have been applied to investigate CSF dynamics using MRI in preclinical settings, studies in non-human primates remain limited. This study evaluated the feasibility of visualizing CSF kinetics in cynomolgus monkeys using these 2 tracers.
Methods:
Four female cynomolgus monkeys underwent dynamic MRI. In separate sessions, 17O-labeled saline and gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA) were administered intrathecally into the cisterna magna. For the 17O-labeled saline protocol, T2-weighted images were acquired every minute for 20 min. For the Gd-DOTA protocol, T1-weighted images were acquired at 10 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 4 hr, and 24 hr after administration. Signal intensities (SIs) within CSF and parenchymal regions were analyzed.
Results:
The tracers demonstrated distinct kinetic profiles. Following 17O-labeled saline injection, the % change in SI in the cisterna magna peaked rapidly at 2-3 min and subsequently propagated caudally along the cervical spinal canal without detectable parenchymal uptake. In contrast, after Gd-DOTA administration, the % change in SI in the cisterna magna reached its maximum at 1-4 hr, with widespread distribution into ventricles, cisterns, and spinal canal. Gd-DOTA clearance via the cribriform plate was evident. Parenchymal enhancement was observed in the cerebellum, pons, and cingulate gyrus with greater signal change in superficial compared to sub-superficial layers. Marked enhancement was also observed in gray matter surrounding the spinal central canal at 4 hr.
Conclusion:
This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of assessing CSF dynamics in a non-human primate model using both 17O-labeled saline and Gd-DOTA. While 17O-labeled saline enabled rapid visualization of bulk CSF flow, Gd-DOTA provided insights into slower CSF distribution and parenchymal transport. These findings provide a translational platform for future investigations into age- and disease-related alterations in CSF dynamics.