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Barrett CME, Stapleton D, Ringer LCM, Harvey NE, Eustace C, Devereaux A, McPhee C, Mather K, Wadden KP, Cahill LS. Perceptions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging During Pregnancy: A Newfoundland and Labrador Perspective. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102269. [PMID: 37944816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify enablers and barriers to participation in MRI for clinical indications and scientific research, and to determine the perceptions of MRI performed during pregnancy. METHODS We conducted a survey of 156 pregnant people in Newfoundland and Labrador including sociodemographic information, obstetrical history, MRI history, and willingness to participate in an MRI. Categorical variables were analyzed using a Fisher exact test and open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS In total, 80% of participants reported willingness to receive an MRI while pregnant for clinical indications compared to 24% for research. Only 10% reported prior knowledge about MRI during pregnancy and most participants (94%) wanted additional information from their physician before feeling comfortable with the procedure. Participants who knew someone with complications during pregnancy were more likely to be willing to participate in an MRI for research (uncorrected P < 0.05). Participants' positive perceptions towards MRI during pregnancy for clinical indications were that it was a necessary and useful procedure, while the negative perceptions identified MRI as unsafe. For research MRI, participants' positive perceptions included that it would add to the advancement of knowledge and the negative perceptions were that it was an unnecessary and risky procedure. CONCLUSIONS Strategies are needed to improve patient knowledge about the benefits and safety of MRI during pregnancy. The present study suggests recruitment for research should incorporate education on safety concerns and relative risk, personal stories about the benefits of MRI in diagnosing pregnancy complications and should highlight the contribution to advancing scientific knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M E Barrett
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Darcie Stapleton
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Lauren C M Ringer
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Nikita E Harvey
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Carolyn Eustace
- Patient Partner, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Alyssa Devereaux
- Patient Partner, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Chelsey McPhee
- NL SUPPORT, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Kathleen Mather
- NL SUPPORT, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katie P Wadden
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada; Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
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2
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Bourquin C, Porée J, Rauby B, Perrot V, Ghigo N, Belgharbi H, Bélanger S, Ramos-Palacios G, Cortes N, Ladret H, Ikan L, Casanova C, Lesage F, Provost J. Quantitative pulsatility measurements using 3D dynamic ultrasound localization microscopy. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:045017. [PMID: 38181421 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad1b68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
A rise in blood flow velocity variations (i.e. pulsatility) in the brain, caused by the stiffening of upstream arteries, is associated with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. The study of this phenomenon requires brain-wide pulsatility measurements, with large penetration depth and high spatiotemporal resolution. The development of dynamic ultrasound localization microscopy (DULM), based on ULM, has enabled pulsatility measurements in the rodent brain in 2D. However, 2D imaging accesses only one slice of the brain and measures only 2D-projected and hence biased velocities . Herein, we present 3D DULM: using a single ultrasound scanner at high frame rate (1000-2000 Hz), this method can produce dynamic maps of microbubbles flowing in the bloodstream and extract quantitative pulsatility measurements in the cat brain with craniotomy and in the mouse brain through the skull, showing a wide range of flow hemodynamics in both large and small vessels. We highlighted a decrease in pulsatility along the vascular tree in the cat brain, which could be mapped with ultrasound down to a few tens of micrometers for the first time. We also performed an intra-animal validation of the method by showing consistent measurements between the two sides of the Willis circle in the mouse brain. Our study provides the first step towards a new biomarker that would allow the detection of dynamic abnormalities in microvessels in the brain, which could be linked to early signs of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Bourquin
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Jonathan Porée
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Brice Rauby
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Vincent Perrot
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nin Ghigo
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Hatim Belgharbi
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States of America
| | | | | | - Nelson Cortes
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
| | - Hugo Ladret
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, F-13005, France
| | - Lamyae Ikan
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
| | - Christian Casanova
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
| | - Frédéric Lesage
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - Jean Provost
- Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada
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Dibbon KC, Mercer GV, Maekawa AS, Hanrahan J, Steeves KL, Ringer LCM, Simpson AJ, Simpson MJ, Baschat AA, Kingdom JC, Macgowan CK, Sled JG, Jobst KJ, Cahill LS. Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics cause placental dysfunction in mice†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:211-218. [PMID: 37724921 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics has been shown to result in fetal growth restriction in mice. In this study, we investigated the placental and fetal hemodynamic responses to plastics exposure in mice using high-frequency ultrasound. Healthy, pregnant CD-1 dams were given either 106 ng/L of 5 μm polystyrene microplastics or 106 ng/L of 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics in drinking water throughout gestation and were compared with controls. Maternal exposure to both microplastics and nanoplastics resulted in evidence of placental dysfunction that was highly dependent on the particle size. The umbilical artery blood flow increased by 48% in the microplastic-exposed group and decreased by 25% in the nanoplastic-exposed group compared to controls (p < 0.05). The microplastic- and nanoplastic-exposed fetuses showed a significant decrease in the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index of 10% and 13%, respectively, compared to controls (p < 0.05), indicating vasodilation of the cerebral circulation, a fetal adaptation that is part of the brain sparing response to preserve oxygen delivery. Hemodynamic markers of placental dysfunction and fetal hypoxia were more pronounced in the group exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics, suggesting nanoplastic exposure during human pregnancy has the potential to disrupt fetal brain development, which in turn may cause suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Dibbon
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Grace V Mercer
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Alexandre S Maekawa
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jenna Hanrahan
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katherine L Steeves
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Lauren C M Ringer
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - André J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myrna J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John C Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Hanrahan J, Steeves KL, Locke DP, O'Brien TM, Maekawa AS, Amiri R, Macgowan CK, Baschat AA, Kingdom JC, Simpson AJ, Simpson MJ, Sled JG, Jobst KJ, Cahill LS. Maternal exposure to polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics impairs umbilical blood flow but not fetal growth in pregnant mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:399. [PMID: 38172192 PMCID: PMC10764924 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50781-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
While microplastics have been recently detected in human blood and the placenta, their impact on human health is not well understood. Using a mouse model of environmental exposure during pregnancy, our group has previously reported that exposure to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics throughout gestation results in fetal growth restriction. While polystyrene is environmentally relevant, polyethylene is the most widely produced plastic and amongst the most commonly detected microplastic in drinking water and human blood. In this study, we investigated the effect of maternal exposure to polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics on fetal growth and placental function. Healthy, pregnant CD-1 dams were divided into three groups: 106 ng/L of 740-4990 nm polyethylene with surfactant in drinking water (n = 12), surfactant alone in drinking water (n = 12) or regular filtered drinking water (n = 11). At embryonic day 17.5, high-frequency ultrasound was used to investigate the placental and fetal hemodynamic responses following exposure. While maternal exposure to polyethylene did not impact fetal growth, there was a significant effect on placental function with a 43% increase in umbilical artery blood flow in the polyethylene group compared to controls (p < 0.01). These results suggest polyethylene has the potential to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes through abnormal placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Hanrahan
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Katherine L Steeves
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Drew P Locke
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Thomas M O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Alexandre S Maekawa
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Roshanak Amiri
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - John C Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1E2, Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - André J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Myrna J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1E2, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Arctic Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada.
- Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada.
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van Uden L, Tchirikov M. A Study of the Literature on Intrauterine Treatment Options for Chronic Placental Insufficiency with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Using Intrauterine Intravascular Amino Acid Supplementation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1232. [PMID: 37374014 DOI: 10.3390/life13061232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a very serious prenatal condition with 3-5% incidence of all pregnancies. It results from numerous factors, including chronic placental insufficiency. IUGR is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity and is considered a major cause of fetal mortality. Currently, treatment options are significantly limited and often result in preterm delivery. Postpartum, IUGR infants also have higher risks of disease and neurological abnormalities. METHODS The PubMed database was searched using the keywords "IUGR", "fetal growth restriction", "treatment", "management" and "placental insufficiency" for the period between 1975 and 2023. These terms were also combined together. RESULTS There were 4160 papers, reviews and articles dealing with the topic of IUGR. In total, only 15 papers directly dealt with a prepartum therapy of IUGR; 10 of these were based on an animal model. Overall, the main focus was on maternal intravenous therapy with amino acids or intraamniotic infusion. Treatment methods have been tested since the 1970s to supplement the fetuses with nutrients lacking due to chronic placental insufficiency in various ways. In some studies, pregnant women were implanted with a subcutaneous intravascular perinatal port system, thus infusing the fetuses with a continuous amino acid solution. Prolongation of pregnancy was achieved, as well as improvement in fetal growth. However, insufficient benefit was observed in infusion with commercial amino acid solution in fetuses below 28 weeks' gestation. The authors attribute this primarily to the enormous variation in amino acid concentrations of the commercially available solutions compared with those observed in the plasma of preterm infants. These different concentrations are particularly important because differences in the fetal brain caused by metabolic changes have been demonstrated in the rabbit model. Several brain metabolites and amino acids were significantly decreased in IUGR brain tissue samples, resulting in abnormal neurodevelopment with decreased brain volume. DISCUSSION There are currently only a few studies and case reports with correspondingly low case numbers. Most of the studies refer to prenatal treatment by supplementation of amino acids and nutrients to prolong pregnancy and support fetal growth. However, there is no infusion solution that matches the amino acid concentrations found in fetal plasma. The commercially available solutions have mismatched amino acid concentrations and have not shown sufficient benefit in fetuses below 28 weeks' gestation. More treatment avenues need to be explored and existing ones improved to better treat multifactorial IUGR fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa van Uden
- University Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Medical Center Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube Strasse 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Tchirikov
- University Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Medical Center Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube Strasse 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Yin Q, Zhang Y, Ma Q, Gao L, Li P, Chen X. The clinical value of blood flow parameters of the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery for assessing fetal distress. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:5280-5286. [PMID: 34150119 PMCID: PMC8205796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical value of blood flow parameters of the umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) for gauging fetal distress. METHODS This study was conducted among 256 pregnant women who presented for routine prenatal checkups and successfully gave birth in our hospital from January 2018 to February 2020. These pregnant women were examined with the Color Doppler Ultrasound, and the color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) showed the blood flow of the UA and MCA. In accordance with the diagnostic criteria of fetal distress, they were divided into a fetal distress group (n=67) and a control group (n=189). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed on the diagnostic value of the flow in the UA and MCA. According to their pregnancy outcomes, they were divided into a good pregnancy outcome group (n=209) and an adverse pregnancy outcome group (n=47), and their blood flow parameters of the UA and MCA were compared. RESULTS The S/D, PI, and RI values of the UA in the fetal distress group exceeded those in the control group, and the S/D, PI, and RI values of the MCA were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The good pregnancy outcome group had lower S/D, PI, and RI values of the UA. The good pregnancy outcome group had higher S/D, PI, and RI values of the MCA (P<0.05). ROC curves revealed that the areas under curve of S/D, PI, and RI of the UA were 0.81, 0.76 and 0.74, respectively; the areas under curve of S/D, PI, and RI of the MCA were 0.82, 0.78 and 0.71, respectively. CONCLUSION The hemodynamic indexes of the UA and MCA can be used as a basis for evaluating fetal distress, which shows important clinical indications for gauging pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Yin
- Department of Ultrasound, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Qinghai, P. R. China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Qinghai, P. R. China
| | - Qinfeng Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Qinghai, P. R. China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Qinghai, P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Qinghai, P. R. China
| | - Xianxia Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Qinghai, P. R. China
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7
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Wilson RL, Stephens KK, Lampe K, Jones HN. Sexual dimorphisms in brain gene expression in the growth-restricted guinea pig can be modulated with intra-placental therapy. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:1673-1680. [PMID: 33531677 PMCID: PMC8254736 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal responses to adverse pregnancy environments are sex-specific. In fetal guinea pigs (GPs), we assessed morphology and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in fetal growth-restricted (FGR) tissues at midpregnancy. METHODS Female GPs were assigned either an ad libitum diet (C) or 30% restricted diet (R) prior to pregnancy to midpregnancy. At midpregnancy, a subset of R females underwent ultrasound-guided nanoparticle (NP) injection to enhance placental function. Five days later, fetuses were sampled. Fetal brain, heart, and liver were assessed for morphology (hematoxylin and eosin), proliferation (Ki67), and vascularization (CD31), as well as expression of inflammatory markers. RESULTS R fetuses were 19% lighter with reduced organ weights and evidence of brain sparing compared to controls. No increased necrosis, proliferation, or vascularization was found between C and R nor male or female fetal organs. Sexual dimorphism in mRNA expression of Tgfβ and Ctgf was observed in R but not C fetal brains: increased expression in females. NP treatment increased fetal brain mRNA expression of Tgfβ and Ctgf in R males, abolishing the significant difference observed in untreated R fetuses. CONCLUSIONS Sex-specific differences in mRNA expression in the fetal brain with FGR could impart a potential survival bias and may be useful for the development of treatments for obstetric diseases. IMPACT Male and female fetuses respond differently to adverse pregnancy environments. Under fetal growth restriction conditions, inflammatory marker mRNA expression in the fetal brain was higher in females compared to males. Differences in gene expression between males and females may confer a selective advantage/disadvantage under adverse conditions. Better characterization of sexual dimorphism in fetal development will aid better development of treatments for obstetric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Kendal K Stephens
- Center for Fetal and Placental Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Kristin Lampe
- Center for Fetal and Placental Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Helen N Jones
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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Shreeve N, Depierreux D, Hawkes D, Traherne JA, Sovio U, Huhn O, Jayaraman J, Horowitz A, Ghadially H, Perry JRB, Moffett A, Sled JG, Sharkey AM, Colucci F. The CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptor educates uterine NK cells to optimize pregnancy outcomes in humans and mice. Immunity 2021; 54:1231-1244.e4. [PMID: 33887202 PMCID: PMC8211638 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The conserved CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptor is expressed by nearly all human and ∼50% of mouse uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. Binding human HLA-E and mouse Qa-1, NKG2A drives NK cell education, a process of unknown physiological importance influenced by HLA-B alleles. Here, we show that NKG2A genetic ablation in dams mated with wild-type males caused suboptimal maternal vascular responses in pregnancy, accompanied by perturbed placental gene expression, reduced fetal weight, greater rates of smaller fetuses with asymmetric growth, and abnormal brain development. These are features of the human syndrome pre-eclampsia. In a genome-wide association study of 7,219 pre-eclampsia cases, we found a 7% greater relative risk associated with the maternal HLA-B allele that does not favor NKG2A education. These results show that the maternal HLA-B→HLA-E→NKG2A pathway contributes to healthy pregnancy and may have repercussions on offspring health, thus establishing the physiological relevance for NK cell education. Video Abstract
CD94/NKG2A educates uterine NK cells NKG2A-deficient dams display reduced utero-placental hemodynamic adaptations Asymmetric growth restriction and abnormal brain development in NKG2A-deficient dams Non-functional HLA-B→HLA-E→NKG2A pathway exposes women to greater pre-eclampsia risk
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Shreeve
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
| | - Delphine Depierreux
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
| | - Delia Hawkes
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | | | - Ulla Sovio
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oisin Huhn
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Jyothi Jayaraman
- University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neurobiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amir Horowitz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Precision Immunology Institute and Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - John R B Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John G Sled
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew M Sharkey
- University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK.
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9
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Leon RL, Ortigoza EB, Ali N, Angelis D, Wolovits JS, Chalak LF. Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring in High-Risk Fetal and Neonatal Populations. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:748345. [PMID: 35087771 PMCID: PMC8787287 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.748345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular pressure autoregulation promotes stable cerebral blood flow (CBF) across a range of arterial blood pressures. Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is a developmental process that reaches maturity around term gestation and can be monitored prenatally with both Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Postnatally, there are key advantages and limitations to assessing CA with Doppler ultrasound, MRI, and near-infrared spectroscopy. Here we review these CBF monitoring techniques as well as their application to both fetal and neonatal populations at risk of perturbations in CBF. Specifically, we discuss CBF monitoring in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction, anemia, congenital heart disease, neonates born preterm and those with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. We conclude the review with insights into the future directions in this field with an emphasis on collaborative science and precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Leon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Eric B Ortigoza
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Noorjahan Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dimitrios Angelis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Joshua S Wolovits
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Lina F Chalak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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10
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The application of in utero magnetic resonance imaging in the study of the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of the developmental origins of health and disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:193-202. [PMID: 33308364 PMCID: PMC8162788 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420001154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Observing fetal development in utero is vital to further the understanding of later-life diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a tool for obtaining a wealth of information about fetal growth, development, and programming not previously available using other methods. This review provides an overview of MRI techniques used to investigate the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. These methods add to the understanding of the developing fetus by examining fetal growth and organ development, adipose tissue and body composition, fetal oximetry, placental microstructure, diffusion, perfusion, flow, and metabolism. MRI assessment of fetal growth, organ development, metabolism, and the amount of fetal adipose tissue could give early indicators of abnormal fetal development. Noninvasive fetal oximetry can accurately measure placental and fetal oxygenation, which improves current knowledge on placental function. Additionally, measuring deficiencies in the placenta’s transport of nutrients and oxygen is critical for optimizing treatment. Overall, the detailed structural and functional information provided by MRI is valuable in guiding future investigations of DOHaD.
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11
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Liu J, Li S, Qian L, Xu X, Zhang Y, Cheng J, Zhang W. Effects of acute mild hypoxia on cerebral blood flow in pilots. Neurol Sci 2020; 42:673-680. [PMID: 32654008 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04567-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pilots often face and need to overcome a diverse range of unfavorable conditions, of which hypoxic exposure is the most common. Studies have reported that hypoxia can induce a decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the brains of both humans and animals. Hypoxia and the associated cerebral hemodynamic changes can contribute to cognitive performance deficits that may endanger flight safety and increase the risk of accidents. AIM In this study, we aimed to identify region-specific alterations in CBF in male pilots after exposure to hypoxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling sequences in 35 healthy male pilots (mean age: 30.6 ± 4.82 years) under simulated hypoxic conditions with a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The generated CBF maps were measured and averaged in several regions of interest. RESULTS Hypoxia decreased CBF in various brain regions, including the right temporal and bilateral occipital lobes, the anterior and posterior lobes of the cerebellum, the culmen and declive, and the inferior semilunar lobule of the cerebellum. CONCLUSION These changes may impact the functional activity of the brains of pilots experiencing hypoxia in flight, but the related mechanisms require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of MRI, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Shujian Li
- Department of MRI, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Long Qian
- GE Healthcare China, Floor 1, Yongchang North Road, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Beijing, China
| | - Xianrong Xu
- Department of Air Duty, The Air Force General Hospital in Beijing, No. 30 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, West Diaoyutai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of MRI, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Department of MRI, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe Dong Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Wanshi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Air Force General Hospital in Beijing, No. 30 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, West Diaoyutai, China
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12
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Sleep in the Supine Position during Pregnancy Is Associated with Fetal Cerebral Redistribution. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061773. [PMID: 32517385 PMCID: PMC7356729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The supine sleep position in late pregnancy is a major risk factor for stillbirth, with a population attributable risk of 5.8% and one in four pregnant women reportedly sleeping in a supine position. Although the mechanisms linking the supine sleep position and late stillbirth remain unclear, there is evidence that it exacerbates pre-existing maternal sleep disordered breathing, which is another known risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. Given that maternal sleep position is a potentially modifiable risk factor, the aim of this study was to characterize and correlate uteroplacental and fetal hemodynamics, including cardiac function, in a cohort of women with apparently uncomplicated pregnancies with their nocturnal sleep position. This was a prospective observational cohort study at an Australian tertiary obstetric hospital. Women were asked to complete a series of questions related to their sleep position in late pregnancy after 35 weeks of completed gestation. They also underwent an ultrasound assessment where Doppler indices of various fetoplacental vessels and fetal cardiac function were measured. Regional cerebral perfusion was also assessed. Pregnancy outcome data was extracted from the electronic hospital database for analysis. A total of 274 women were included in the final analysis. Of these, 78.1% (214/274) reported no supine sleep, and 21.9% (60/274) reported going to sleep in a supine position. The middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, and vertebral artery pulsatility indices were all significantly lower in the supine sleep cohort, as was the cerebroplacental ratio. There were no significant differences in the mode or indication for delivery or in serious neonatal outcomes, including 5-min Apgar score < 7, acidosis, and neonatal intensive care unit admission between cohorts. Women in the supine cohort were more likely to have an infant with a BW > 90th centile (p = 0.04). This data demonstrates fetal brain sparing in association with the maternal supine sleep position in a low-risk population. This data contributes to the growing body of literature attempting to elucidate the etiological pathways responsible for the association of late stillbirth with the maternal supine sleep position.
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13
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Hallgrímsson B, Katz DC, Aponte JD, Larson JR, Devine J, Gonzalez PN, Young NM, Roseman CC, Marcucio RS. Integration and the Developmental Genetics of Allometry. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 59:1369-1381. [PMID: 31199435 PMCID: PMC6934422 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allometry refers to the ways in which organismal shape is associated with size. It is a special case of integration, or the tendency for traits to covary, in that variation in size is ubiquitous and evolutionarily important. Allometric variation is so commonly observed that it is routinely removed from morphometric analyses or invoked as an explanation for evolutionary change. In this case, familiarity is mistaken for understanding because rarely do we know the mechanisms by which shape correlates with size or understand their significance. As with other forms of integration, allometric variation is generated by variation in developmental processes that affect multiple traits, resulting in patterns of covariation. Given this perspective, we can dissect the genetic and developmental determinants of allometric variation. Our work on the developmental and genetic basis for allometric variation in craniofacial shape in mice and humans has revealed that allometric variation is highly polygenic. Different measures of size are associated with distinct but overlapping patterns of allometric variation. These patterns converge in part on a common genetic basis. Finally, environmental modulation of size often generates variation along allometric trajectories, but the timing of genetic and environmental perturbations can produce deviations from allometric patterns when traits are differentially sensitive over developmental time. These results question the validity of viewing allometry as a singular phenomenon distinct from morphological integration more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Hallgrímsson
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - David C Katz
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jose D Aponte
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jacinda R Larson
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jay Devine
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Paula N Gonzalez
- Unidad Ejecutora de Estudios en Neurociencias y Sistemas Complejos (CONICET-HEC-UNAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nathan M Young
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charles C Roseman
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ralph S Marcucio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Almendros I, Martínez-Ros P, Farré N, Rubio-Zaragoza M, Torres M, Gutiérrez-Bautista ÁJ, Carrillo-Poveda JM, Sopena-Juncosa JJ, Gozal D, Gonzalez-Bulnes A, Farré R. Placental oxygen transfer reduces hypoxia-reoxygenation swings in fetal blood in a sheep model of gestational sleep apnea. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 127:745-752. [PMID: 31369330 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00303.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by events of hypoxia-reoxygenation, is highly prevalent in pregnancy, negatively affecting the gestation process and particularly the fetus. Whether the consequences of OSA for the fetus and offspring are mainly caused by systemic alterations in the mother or by a direct effect of intermittent hypoxia in the fetus is unknown. In fact, how apnea-induced hypoxemic swings in OSA are transmitted across the placenta remains to be investigated. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis, based on a theoretical background on the damping effect of oxygen transfer in the placenta, that oxygen partial pressure (Po2) swings resulting from obstructive apneas mimicking OSA are mitigated in the fetal circulation. To this end, four anesthetized ewes close to term pregnancy were subjected to obstructive apneas consisting of 25-s airway obstructions. Real-time Po2 was measured in the maternal carotid artery and in the umbilical vein with fast-response fiber-optic oxygen sensors. The amplitudes of Po2 swings in the umbilical vein were considerably smaller [3.1 ± 1.0 vs. 21.0 ± 6.1 mmHg (mean ± SE); P < 0.05]. Corresponding estimated swings in fetal and maternal oxyhemoglobin saturation tracked Po2 swings. This study provides novel insights into fetal oxygenation in a model of gestational OSA and highlights the importance of further understanding the impact of sleep-disordered breathing on fetal and offspring development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study in an airway obstruction sheep model of gestational sleep apnea provides novel data on how swings in oxygen partial pressure (Po2) translate from maternal to fetal blood. Real-time simultaneous measurement of Po2 in maternal artery and in umbilical vein shows that placenta transfer attenuates the magnitude of oxygenation swings. These data prompt further investigation of the extent to which maternal apneas could induce similar direct oxidative stress in fetal and maternal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez-Ros
- Animal Production and Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Farré
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Heart Diseases Biomedical Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Rubio-Zaragoza
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.,García Cugat Foundation for Biomedical Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torres
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain.,Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro J Gutiérrez-Bautista
- Anaesthesia Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M Carrillo-Poveda
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.,García Cugat Foundation for Biomedical Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín J Sopena-Juncosa
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.,García Cugat Foundation for Biomedical Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Deputy Directorate General of Research and Technology-Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Yang DM, Arai TJ, Campbell JW, Gerberich JL, Zhou H, Mason RP. Oxygen-sensitive MRI assessment of tumor response to hypoxic gas breathing challenge. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2019; 32:e4101. [PMID: 31062902 PMCID: PMC6581571 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen-sensitive MRI has been extensively used to investigate tumor oxygenation based on the response (R2 * and/or R1 ) to a gas breathing challenge. Most studies have reported response to hyperoxic gas indicating potential biomarkers of hypoxia. Few studies have examined hypoxic gas breathing and we have now evaluated acute dynamic changes in rat breast tumors. Rats bearing syngeneic subcutaneous (n = 15) or orthotopic (n = 7) 13762NF breast tumors were exposed to a 16% O2 gas breathing challenge and monitored using blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) R2 * and tissue oxygen level dependent (TOLD) T1 -weighted measurements at 4.7 T. As a control, we used a traditional hyperoxic gas breathing challenge with 100% O2 on a subset of the subcutaneous tumor bearing rats (n = 6). Tumor subregions identified as responsive on the basis of R2 * dynamics coincided with the viable tumor area as judged by subsequent H&E staining. As expected, R2 * decreased and T1 -weighted signal increased in response to 100% O2 breathing challenge. Meanwhile, 16% O2 breathing elicited an increase in R2 *, but divergent response (increase or decrease) in T1 -weighted signal. The T1 -weighted signal increase may signify a dominating BOLD effect triggered by 16% O2 in the relatively more hypoxic tumors, whereby the influence of increased paramagnetic deoxyhemoglobin outweighs decreased pO2 . The results emphasize the importance of combined BOLD and TOLD measurements for the correct interpretation of tumor oxygenation properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghan M Yang
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Tatsuya J Arai
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - James W Campbell
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Heling Zhou
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ralph P Mason
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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16
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Cahill LS, Hoggarth J, Lerch JP, Seed M, Macgowan CK, Sled JG. Fetal brain sparing in a mouse model of chronic maternal hypoxia. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39:1172-1184. [PMID: 29271304 PMCID: PMC6547196 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17750324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic stress is a common occurrence during human pregnancy, yet little is known about its effects on the fetal brain. This study examined the fetal hemodynamic responses to chronic hypoxia in an experimental mouse model of chronic maternal hypoxia (11% O2 from E14.5 to E17.5). Using high-frequency Doppler ultrasound, we found fetal cerebral and ductus venosus blood flow were both elevated by 69% and pulmonary blood flow was decreased by 62% in the fetuses exposed to chronic hypoxia compared to controls. This demonstrates that brain sparing persists during chronic fetal hypoxia and is mediated by "streaming," where highly oxygenated blood preferentially flows through the ductus venosus towards the cerebral circulation, bypassing the liver and the lungs. Consistent with these changes in blood flow, the fetal brain volume measured by MRI is preserved, while the liver and lung volumes decreased compared to controls. However, hypoxia exposed fetuses were rendered vulnerable to an acute hypoxic challenge (8% O2 for 3 min), demonstrating global blood flow decreases consistent with imminent fetal demise rather than elevated cerebral blood flow. Despite this vulnerability, there were no differences in adult brain morphology in the mice exposed to chronic maternal hypoxia compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S Cahill
- 1 Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Johnathan Hoggarth
- 1 Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- 1 Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,2 Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,3 Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Mike Seed
- 4 Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,5 Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- 2 Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,5 Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- 1 Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,2 Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,5 Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Tchirikov M, Saling E, Bapayeva G, Bucher M, Thews O, Seliger G. Hyperbaric oxygenation and glucose/amino acids substitution in human severe placental insufficiency. Physiol Rep 2019. [PMID: 29536649 PMCID: PMC5849598 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the first case, the AA and glucose were infused through a perinatal port system into the umbilical vein at 30 weeks' gestation due to severe IUGR. The patient received daily hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO, 100% O2) with 1.4 atmospheres absolute for 50 min for 7 days. At 31+4 weeks' gestation, the patient gave birth spontaneously to a newborn weighing 1378 g, pH 7.33, APGAR score 4/6/intubation. In follow‐up examinations at 5 years of age, the boy was doing well without any neurological disturbance or developmental delay. In the second case, the patient presented at 25/5 weeks' gestation suffering from severe IUGR received HBO and maternal AA infusions. The cardiotocography was monitored continuously during HBO treatment. The short‐time variations improved during HBO from 2.9 to 9 msec. The patient developed pathologic CTG and uterine contractions 1 day later and gave birth to a hypotrophic newborn weighing 420 g. After initial adequate stabilization, the extremely preterm newborn unfortunately died 6 days later. Fetal nutrition combined with HBO is technically possible and may allow the prolongation of the pregnancy. Fetal‐specific amino‐acid composition would facilitate the treatment options of IUGR fetuses and extremely preterm newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tchirikov
- Center of Fetal Surgery, University Clinic of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Erich Saling
- Saling Institute of Perinatal Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gauri Bapayeva
- National Research Center for Mother and Child Health, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Michael Bucher
- Center of HBO, University Clinic of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Oliver Thews
- Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Gregor Seliger
- Center of Fetal Surgery, University Clinic of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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18
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In Vivo Evaluation of the Cardiovascular System of Mouse Embryo and Fetus Using High Frequency Ultrasound. Methods Mol Biol 2018. [PMID: 29564759 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7714-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Genetically engineered mice have been widely used for studying cardiovascular development, physiology and diseases. In the past decade, high frequency ultrasound imaging technology has been significantly advanced and applied to observe the cardiovascular structure, function, and blood flow dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution in mice. This noninvasive imaging approach has made possible longitudinal studies of the mouse embryo/fetus in utero. In this chapter, we describe detailed methods for: (1) the assessment of the structure, function, and flow dynamics of the developing heart of the mouse embryo during middle gestation (E10.5-E13.5); and (2) the measurement of flow distribution throughout the circulatory system of the mouse fetus at late gestation (E17.5). With the described protocols, we are able to illustrate the main cardiovascular structures and the corresponding functional and flow dynamic events at each stage of development, and generate baseline physiological information about the normal mouse embryo/fetus. These data will serve as the reference material for the identification of cardiovascular abnormalities in numerous mouse models with targeted genetic manipulations.
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19
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Rahman A, Cahill LS, Zhou YQ, Hoggarth J, Rennie MY, Seed M, Macgowan CK, Kingdom JC, Adamson SL, Sled JG. A mouse model of antepartum stillbirth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 217:443.e1-443.e11. [PMID: 28619691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many stillbirths of normally formed fetuses in the third trimester could be prevented via delivery if reliable means to anticipate this outcome existed. However, because the etiology of these stillbirths is often unexplained and although the underlying mechanism is presumed to be hypoxia from placental insufficiency, the placentas often appear normal on histopathological examination. Gestational age is a risk factor for antepartum stillbirth, with a rapid rise in stillbirth rates after 40 weeks' gestation. We speculate that a common mechanism may explain antepartum stillbirth in both the late-term and postterm periods. Mice also show increasing rates of stillbirth when pregnancy is artificially prolonged. The model therefore affords an opportunity to characterize events that precede stillbirth. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to prolong gestation in mice and monitor fetal and placental growth and cardiovascular changes. STUDY DESIGN From embryonic day 15.5 to embryonic day 18.5, pregnant CD-1 mice received daily progesterone injections to prolong pregnancy by an additional 24 hour period (to embryonic day 19.5). To characterize fetal and placental development, experimental assays were performed throughout late gestation (embryonic day 15.5 to embryonic day 19.5), including postnatal day 1 pups as controls. In addition to collecting fetal and placental weights, we monitored fetal blood flow using Doppler ultrasound and examined the fetoplacental arterial vascular geometry using microcomputed tomography. Evidence of hypoxic organ injury in the fetus was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging and pimonidazole immunohistochemistry. RESULTS At embryonic day 19.5, mean fetal weights were reduced by 14% compared with control postnatal day 1 pups. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed that fetal heart rate and umbilical artery flow continued to increase at embryonic day 19.5. Despite this, the embryonic day 19.5 fetuses had significant pimonidazole staining in both brain and liver tissue, indicating fetal hypoxia. Placental weights at embryonic day 19.5 were 21% lower than at term (embryonic day 18.5). Microcomputed tomography showed no change in quantitative morphology of the fetoplacental arterial vasculature between embryonic day 18.5 and embryonic day 19.5. CONCLUSION Prolongation of pregnancy renders the murine fetus vulnerable to significant growth restriction and hypoxia because of differential loss of placental mass rather than any compromise in fetoplacental blood flow. Our data are consistent with a hypoxic mechanism of antepartum fetal death in human term and postterm pregnancy and validates the inability of umbilical artery Doppler to safely monitor such fetuses. New tests of placental function are needed to identify the late-term fetus at risk of hypoxia to intervene by delivery to avoid antepartum stillbirth.
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20
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Rahman A, Zhou YQ, Yee Y, Dazai J, Cahill LS, Kingdom J, Macgowan CK, Sled JG. Ultrasound detection of altered placental vascular morphology based on hemodynamic pulse wave reflection. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 312:H1021-H1029. [PMID: 28364018 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00791.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abnormally pulsatile umbilical artery (UA) Doppler ultrasound velocity waveforms are a hallmark of severe or early onset placental-mediated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), whereas milder late onset IUGR pregnancies typically have normal UA pulsatility. The diagnostic utility of these waveforms to detect placental pathology is thus limited and hampered by factors outside of the placental circulation, including fetal cardiac output. In view of these limitations, we hypothesized that these Doppler waveforms could be more clearly understood as a reflection phenomenon and that a reflected pulse pressure wave is present in the UA that originates from the placenta and propagates backward along the UA. To investigate this, we developed a new ultrasound approach to isolate that portion of the UA Doppler waveform that arises from a pulse pressure wave propagating backward along the UA. Ultrasound measurements of UA lumen diameter and flow waveforms were used to decompose the observed flow waveform into its forward and reflected components. Evaluation of CD1 and C57BL/6 mice at embryonic day (E)15.5 and E17.5 demonstrated that the reflected waveforms diverged between the strains at E17.5, mirroring known changes in the fractal geometry of fetoplacental arteries at these ages. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of noninvasively measuring wave reflections that originate from the fetoplacental circulation. The observed reflections were consistent with theoretical predictions based on the area ratio of parent to daughters at bifurcations in fetoplacental arteries suggesting that this approach could be used in the diagnosis of fetoplacental vascular pathology that is prevalent in human IUGR. Given that the proposed measurements represent a subset of those currently used in human fetal surveillance, the adaptation of this technology could extend the diagnostic utility of Doppler ultrasound in the detection of placental vascular pathologies that cause IUGR.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we describe a novel approach to noninvasively detect microvascular changes in the fetoplacental circulation using ultrasound. The technique is based on detecting reflection pulse pressure waves that travel along the umbilical artery. Using a proof-of-principle study, we demonstrate the feasibility of the technique in two strains of experimental mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anum Rahman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu-Qing Zhou
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yohan Yee
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Dazai
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; .,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Oxygen imaging of living cells and tissues using luminescent molecular probes. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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22
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Bayer CL, Wlodarczyk BJ, Finnell RH, Emelianov SY. Ultrasound-guided spectral photoacoustic imaging of hemoglobin oxygenation during development. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 8:757-763. [PMID: 28270982 PMCID: PMC5330552 DOI: 10.1364/boe.8.000757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Few technologies are capable of imaging in vivo function during development. In this study, we have implemented spectral photoacoustic imaging to estimate tissue oxygenation longitudinally in pregnant mice. We used the spectral photoacoustic signal to estimate hemoglobin oxygen saturation within intact, in vivo mouse concepti from developmental day (E) 8.5 to E16.5-a first step towards functional imaging of the maternal-fetal environment. Future work will apply these methods to compare longitudinal functional changes during normal vs abnormal development of embryos, fetuses, and placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L. Bayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Currently with the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 500 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Richard H. Finnell
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Stanislav Y. Emelianov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Currently with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 777 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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23
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Chan YK, Loh PS. Handedness in man: The energy availability hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2016; 94:108-11. [PMID: 27515214 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of the human species are right handed. Although outwardly our body appears symmetrical, a 50/50% lateralization in handedness never occurs. Neither have we seen more than 50% left handedness in any subset of the human population. By 12-15weeks of intrauterine life, as many as 6 times more fetuses are noted by ultrasound studies to be sucking on their right thumbs. Distinct difference in oxygenation leading to dissimilar energy availability between right and left subclavian arteries in place by week 9 of life may hold the clue to the lateralization of hand function and eventually, the same in the brain. We know there is a higher incidence of left handedness in males, twins, premature babies and those born to mothers who smoke. They may represent a subset with less distinct difference in oxygenation between the 2 subclavian arteries during the fetal stage. This hypothesis if correct not only closes the gap in understanding human handedness and lateralization but also opens a vista for new research to focus on in utero tissue energy availability and its impact on outcome in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Kuen Chan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Pui San Loh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Roy CW, Seed M, Macgowan CK. Accelerated MRI of the fetal heart using compressed sensing and metric optimized gating. Magn Reson Med 2016; 77:2125-2135. [PMID: 27254315 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and validate a method for accelerated time-resolved imaging of the fetal heart using a combination of compressed sensing (CS) and metric optimized gating (MOG). THEORY AND METHODS Joint optimization of CS and MOG reconstructions was used to suppress competing artifact from random undersampling and ungated cardiac motion. Retrospectively and prospectively undersampled adult and fetal data were used to validate the proposed reconstruction algorithm qualitatively based on visual assessment, and quantitatively based on reconstruction error, blur, and MOG timing error. RESULTS Excellent agreement was observed between the fully sampled and retrospectively undersampled reconstructions, up to an undersampling factor of four. Visually, differences between ECG and MOG reconstructions of adult data were negligible. This was consistent with quantitative comparisons of reconstruction error (RMSEECG = 0.07-0.13; RMSEMOG = 0.08-0.13), and image blur (BECG = 1.03-1.20; BMOG = 1.03-1.20). The calculated MOG timing error (2-42 ms) was comparable to the acquired temporal resolution (∼60 ms). Quantitative evaluation of retrospectively undersampled (R = 2-8) fetal data (RMSEMOG = 0.06-0.12; BMOG = 1.04-1.27) was comparable to the adult volunteer results. CONCLUSION CS-MOG for dynamic imaging of the fetal heart was developed and validated. Using CS-MOG, images were obtained up to four times faster than conventional acquisitions. Magn Reson Med 77:2125-2135, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Roy
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Physiology and Experimental Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mike Seed
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Physiology and Experimental Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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25
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Gonzalez PN, Gasperowicz M, Barbeito-Andrés J, Klenin N, Cross JC, Hallgrímsson B. Chronic Protein Restriction in Mice Impacts Placental Function and Maternal Body Weight before Fetal Growth. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152227. [PMID: 27018791 PMCID: PMC4809512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of resource allocation are essential for maternal and fetal survival, particularly when the availability of nutrients is limited. We investigated the responses of feto-placental development to maternal chronic protein malnutrition to test the hypothesis that maternal low protein diet produces differential growth restriction of placental and fetal tissues, and adaptive changes in the placenta that may mitigate impacts on fetal growth. C57BL/6J female mice were fed either a low-protein diet (6% protein) or control isocaloric diet (20% protein). On embryonic days E10.5, 17.5 and 18.5 tissue samples were prepared for morphometric, histological and quantitative RT-PCR analyses, which included markers of trophoblast cell subtypes. Potential endocrine adaptations were assessed by the expression of Prolactin-related hormone genes. In the low protein group, placenta weight was significantly lower at E10.5, followed by reduction of maternal weight at E17.5, while the fetuses became significantly lighter no earlier than at E18.5. Fetal head at E18.5 in the low protein group, though smaller than controls, was larger than expected for body size. The relative size and shape of the cranial vault and the flexion of the cranial base was affected by E17.5 and more severely by E18.5. The junctional zone, a placenta layer rich in endocrine and energy storing glycogen cells, was smaller in low protein placentas as well as the expression of Pcdh12, a marker of glycogen trophoblast cells. Placental hormone gene Prl3a1 was altered in response to low protein diet: expression was elevated at E17.5 when fetuses were still growing normally, but dropped sharply by E18.5 in parallel with the slowing of fetal growth. This model suggests that nutrients are preferentially allocated to sustain fetal and brain growth and suggests the placenta as a nutrient sensor in early gestation with a role in mitigating impacts of poor maternal nutrition on fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula N. Gonzalez
- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria, CCT-CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
- de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Malgorzata Gasperowicz
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jimena Barbeito-Andrés
- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria, CCT-CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
- de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Natasha Klenin
- Department Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - James C. Cross
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (BH); (JC)
| | - Benedikt Hallgrímsson
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health. University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (BH); (JC)
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26
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Sinding M, Peters DA, Frøkjær JB, Christiansen OB, Uldbjerg N, Sørensen A. Reduced placental oxygenation during subclinical uterine contractions as assessed by BOLD MRI. Placenta 2016; 39:16-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Ganesh T, Estrada M, Duffin J, Cheng HL. T2* and T1 assessment of abdominal tissue response to graded hypoxia and hypercapnia using a controlled gas mixing circuit for small animals. J Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 44:305-16. [PMID: 26872559 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize T2* and T1 relaxation time response to a wide spectrum of gas challenges in extracranial tissues of healthy rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A range of graded gas mixtures (hyperoxia, hypercapnia, hypoxia, and hypercapnic hypoxia) were delivered through a controlled gas-mixing circuit to mechanically ventilated and intubated rats. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on a 3T clinical scanner; T2* and T1 maps were computed to determine tissue response in the liver, kidney cortex, and paraspinal muscles. Heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2 ) were measured through a rodent oximeter and physiological monitor. RESULTS T2* decreases consistent with lowered SaO2 measurements were observed for hypercapnia and hypoxia, but decreases were significant only in liver and kidney cortex (P < 0.05) for >10% CO2 and <15% O2 , with the new gas stimulus, hypercapnic hypoxia, producing the greatest T2* decrease. Hyperoxia-related T2* increases were accompanied by negligible increases in SaO2 . T1 generally increased, if at all, in the liver and decreased in the kidney. Significance was observed (P < 0.05) only in kidney for >90% O2 and >5% CO2 . CONCLUSION T2* and T1 provide complementary roles for evaluating extracranial tissue response to a broad range of gas challenges. Based on both measured and known physiological responses, our results are consistent with T2* as a sensitive marker of blood oxygen saturation and T1 as a weak marker of blood volume changes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:305-316.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tameshwar Ganesh
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada.,Physiology & Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marvin Estrada
- Lab Animal Services, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - James Duffin
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Hai Ling Cheng
- Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada.,Physiology & Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
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28
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Avni R, Golani O, Akselrod-Ballin A, Cohen Y, Biton I, Garbow JR, Neeman M. MR Imaging-derived Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curves and Fetal-Placental Oxygen-Hemoglobin Affinities. Radiology 2016; 280:68-77. [PMID: 26780539 PMCID: PMC4942994 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2015150721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The authors of this study present a noninvasive approach for obtaining MR imaging–based oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curves and for deriving oxygen tension values at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated and maps for the placenta and fetus in pregnant mice. Purpose To generate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–derived, oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curves and to map fetal-placental oxygen-hemoglobin affinity in pregnant mice noninvasively by combining blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) T2* and oxygen-weighted T1 contrast mechanisms under different respiration challenges. Materials and Methods All procedures were approved by the Weizmann Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Pregnant mice were analyzed with MR imaging at 9.4 T on embryonic days 14.5 (eight dams and 58 fetuses; imprinting control region ICR strain) and 17.5 (21 dams and 158 fetuses) under respiration challenges ranging from hyperoxia to hypoxia (10 levels of oxygenation, 100%–10%; total imaging time, 100 minutes). A shorter protocol with normoxia to hyperoxia was also performed (five levels of oxygenation, 20%–100%; total imaging time, 60 minutes). Fast spin-echo anatomic images were obtained, followed by sequential acquisition of three-dimensional gradient-echo T2*- and T1-weighted images. Automated registration was applied to align regions of interest of the entire placenta, fetal liver, and maternal liver. Results were compared by using a two-tailed unpaired Student t test. R1 and R2* values were derived for each tissue. MR imaging–based oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curves were constructed by nonlinear least square fitting of 1 minus the change in R2*divided by R2*at baseline as a function of R1 to a sigmoid-shaped curve. The apparent P50 (oxygen tension at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated) value was derived from the curves, calculated as the R1 scaled value (x) at which the change in R2* divided by R2*at baseline scaled (y) equals 0.5. Results The apparent P50 values were significantly lower in fetal liver than in maternal liver for both gestation stages (day 14.5: 21% ± 5 [P = .04] and day 17.5: 41% ± 7 [P < .0001]). The placenta showed a reduction of 18% ± 4 in mean apparent P50 values from day 14.5 to day 17.5 (P = .003). Reproduction of the MR imaging–based oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curves with a shorter protocol that excluded the hypoxic periods was demonstrated. Conclusion MR imaging–based oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curves and oxygen-hemoglobin affinity information were derived for pregnant mice by using 9.4-T MR imaging, which suggests a potential to overcome the need for direct sampling of fetal or maternal blood. Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reut Avni
- From the Departments of Biological Regulation (R.A., A.A.B., Y.C., M.N.), Biological Services (O.G.), and Veterinary Resources (I.B.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (J.R.G.)
| | - Ofra Golani
- From the Departments of Biological Regulation (R.A., A.A.B., Y.C., M.N.), Biological Services (O.G.), and Veterinary Resources (I.B.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (J.R.G.)
| | - Ayelet Akselrod-Ballin
- From the Departments of Biological Regulation (R.A., A.A.B., Y.C., M.N.), Biological Services (O.G.), and Veterinary Resources (I.B.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (J.R.G.)
| | - Yonni Cohen
- From the Departments of Biological Regulation (R.A., A.A.B., Y.C., M.N.), Biological Services (O.G.), and Veterinary Resources (I.B.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (J.R.G.)
| | - Inbal Biton
- From the Departments of Biological Regulation (R.A., A.A.B., Y.C., M.N.), Biological Services (O.G.), and Veterinary Resources (I.B.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (J.R.G.)
| | - Joel R Garbow
- From the Departments of Biological Regulation (R.A., A.A.B., Y.C., M.N.), Biological Services (O.G.), and Veterinary Resources (I.B.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (J.R.G.)
| | - Michal Neeman
- From the Departments of Biological Regulation (R.A., A.A.B., Y.C., M.N.), Biological Services (O.G.), and Veterinary Resources (I.B.), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (J.R.G.)
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Siauve N, Chalouhi GE, Deloison B, Alison M, Clement O, Ville Y, Salomon LJ. Functional imaging of the human placenta with magnetic resonance. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:S103-14. [PMID: 26428488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal placentation is responsible for most failures in pregnancy; however, an understanding of placental functions remains largely concealed from noninvasive, in vivo investigations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe in pregnancy for magnetic fields of up to 3 Tesla and is being used increasingly to improve the accuracy of prenatal imaging. Functional MRI (fMRI) of the placenta has not yet been validated in a clinical setting, and most data are derived from animal studies. FMRI could be used to further explore placental functions that are related to vascularization, oxygenation, and metabolism in human pregnancies by the use of various enhancement processes. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is best able to quantify placental perfusion, permeability, and blood volume fractions. However, the transplacental passage of Gadolinium-based contrast agents represents a significant safety concern for this procedure in humans. There are alternative contrast agents that may be safer in pregnancy or that do not cross the placenta. Arterial spin labeling MRI relies on magnetically labeled water to quantify the blood flows within the placenta. A disadvantage of this technique is a poorer signal-to-noise ratio. Based on arterial spin labeling, placental perfusion in normal pregnancy is 176 ± 91 mL × min(-1) × 100 g(-1) and decreases in cases with intrauterine growth restriction. Blood oxygen level-dependent and oxygen-enhanced MRIs do not assess perfusion but measure the response of the placenta to changes in oxygen levels with the use of hemoglobin as an endogenous contrast agent. Diffusion-weighted imaging and intravoxel incoherent motion MRI do not require exogenous contrast agents, instead they use the movement of water molecules within tissues. The apparent diffusion coefficient and perfusion fraction are significantly lower in placentas of growth-restricted fetuses when compared with normal pregnancies. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy has the ability to extract information regarding metabolites from the placenta noninvasively and in vivo. There are marked differences in all 3 metabolites N-acetyl aspartate/choline levels, inositol/choline ratio between small, and adequately grown fetuses. Current research is focused on the ability of each fMRI technique to make a timely diagnosis of abnormal placentation that would allow for appropriate planning of follow-up examinations and optimal scheduling of delivery. These research programs will benefit from the use of well-defined sequences, standardized imaging protocols, and robust computational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Siauve
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Gihad E Chalouhi
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Deloison
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Alison
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Clement
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Yves Ville
- EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- INSERM, U970, Sorbonne Paris Cite, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France; EA FETUS and LUMIERE Unit, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France.
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30
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Zhou Z, Chen Z, Shan J, Ma W, Li L, Zu J, Xu J. Monitoring brain development of chick embryos in vivo using 3.0 T MRI: subdivision volume change and preliminary structural quantification using DTI. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015. [PMID: 26208519 PMCID: PMC4513430 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-015-0077-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has many advantages in the research of in vivo embryonic brain development, specifically its noninvasive aspects and ability to avoid skeletal interference. However, few studies have focused on brain development in chick, which is a traditional animal model in developmental biology. We aimed to serially monitor chick embryo brain development in vivo using 3.0 T MRI. Methods Ten fertile Hy-line white eggs were incubated and seven chick embryo brains were monitored in vivo and analyzed serially from 5 to 20 days during incubation using 3.0 T MRI. A fast positioning sequence was pre-scanned to obtain sagittal and coronal brain planes corresponding to the established atlas. T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) was performed for volume estimation of the whole brain and subdivision (telencephalon, cerebellum, brainstem, and lateral ventricle [LV]); diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to reflect the evolution of neural bundle structures. Results The chick embryos’ whole brain and subdivision grew non-linearly over time; the DTI fractional anisotropy (FA) value within the telencephalon increased non-linearly as well. All seven scanned eggs hatched successfully. Conclusions MRI avoids embryonic sacrifice in a way that allows serial monitoring of longitudinal developmental processes of a single embryo. Feasibility for analyzing subdivision of the brain during development, and adding structural information related to neural bundles, makes MRI a powerful tool for exploring brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zien Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zengai Chen
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiehui Shan
- Department of Geriatrics, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China.
| | - Weiwei Ma
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jinyan Zu
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianrong Xu
- Department of Radiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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