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Luo X, Yu S, Liu B, Zheng Q, Zhou X, An K, Zhong J, Wu L, Dai H, Qi Z, Xia J. Determination of Maximum Tolerable Cold Ischemia Time in a Mouse Model of Cervical Heterotopic Uterus Transplantation. Transplantation 2024; 108:e207-e217. [PMID: 38499504 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterus transplantation (UTx) is an emerging treatment for uterine factor infertility. Determining the maximum tolerable cold ischemia time is crucial for successful UTx. However, the limit for cold ischemia in the uterus is unclear. This study aimed to examine cold ischemia's effects on mouse uteri and identify the maximum cold ischemia duration that uteri can endure. METHODS We systematically assessed the tolerance of mouse uteri to extended cold ischemia, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h, using the cervical heterotopic UTx model. Multiple indicators were used to evaluate ischemia-reperfusion injury, including reperfusion duration, macroscopic examination, oxidative stress, inflammation, and histopathology. The function of transplants was evaluated through estrous cycle monitoring and embryo transfer. RESULTS Mouse uteri subjected to 48 h of cold ischemia exhibited significant delays and insufficiencies in reperfusion, substantial tissue necrosis, and loss of the estrous cycle. Conversely, uteri that underwent cold ischemia within 36 h showed long survival, regular estrous cycles, and fertility. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that mouse uteri can endure at least 36 h of cold ischemia, extending the known limits for cold ischemia and providing a pivotal reference for research on the prevention and treatment of cold ischemic injury in UTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Luo
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Shengnan Yu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Organ Transplantation Institute, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Bing Liu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Qisheng Zheng
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Organ Transplantation Institute, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Organ Transplantation Institute, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Ke An
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jiaying Zhong
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Organ Transplantation Institute, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Licheng Wu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Helong Dai
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhongquan Qi
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Xia
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Organ Transplantation Institute, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, P. R. China
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Kwiatkowski G, Czyzynska-Cichon I, Tielemans B, Geerkens L, Jasztal A, Velde GV, Chłopicki S. Retrospectively gated ultrashort-echo-time MRI T 1 mapping reveals compromised pulmonary microvascular NO-dependent function in a murine model of acute lung injury. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5105. [PMID: 38225796 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
This study sought to develop noninvasive, in vivo imaging schemes that allow for quantitative assessment of pulmonary microvascular functional status based on the combination of pulmonary T1 mapping and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DynCE) imaging. Ultrashort-echo-time (UTE) imaging at 9.4 T of lung parenchyma was performed. Retrospective gating was based on modulation of the first point in each recorded spoke. T1 maps were obtained using a series of five consecutive images with varying RF angles and analyzed with the variable flip angle approach. The obtained mean T1 lung value of 1078 ± 38 ms correlated well with previous reports. Improved intersession variability was observed, as evident from a decreased standard deviation of motion-resolved T1 mapping (F-test = 0.051). Animals received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and were imaged at t = 2, 6, and 12 h after administration. The nitric oxide (NO)-dependent function was assessed according to changes in lung T1 after L-NAME injection, while microvascular perfusion and oxidant stress were assessed with contrast-enhanced imaging after injection of gadolinium or 3-carbamoyl-proxyl nitroxide radical, respectively. Retrospectivel gated UTE allowed robust, motion-compensated imaging that could be used for T1 mapping of lung parenchyma. Changes in lung T1 after L-NAME injection indicated that LPS induced overproduction of NO at t = 2 and 6 h after LPS, but NO-dependent microvascular function was impaired at t = 12 h after LPS. DynCE imaging at t = 6 h after LPS injection revealed decreased microvascular perfusion, with increased vascular permeability and oxidant stress. MRI allows to visualize and quantify lung microvascular NO-dependent function and its concomitant impairment during acute respiratory distress syndrome development with high sensitivity. UTE T1 mapping appears to be sensitive and useful in probing pulmonary microvascular functional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Kwiatkowski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Izabela Czyzynska-Cichon
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Birger Tielemans
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit/Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Geerkens
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit/Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Agnieszka Jasztal
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit/Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Chłopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Hsieh A, Assadinia N, Hackett TL. Airway remodeling heterogeneity in asthma and its relationship to disease outcomes. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1113100. [PMID: 36744026 PMCID: PMC9892557 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1113100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma affects an estimated 262 million people worldwide and caused over 461,000 deaths in 2019. The disease is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, reversible bronchoconstriction, and airway remodeling. Longitudinal studies have shown that current treatments for asthma (inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids) can reduce the frequency of exacerbations, but do not modify disease outcomes over time. Further, longitudinal studies in children to adulthood have shown that these treatments do not improve asthma severity or fixed airflow obstruction over time. In asthma, fixed airflow obstruction is caused by remodeling of the airway wall, but such airway remodeling also significantly contributes to airway closure during bronchoconstriction in acute asthmatic episodes. The goal of the current review is to understand what is known about the heterogeneity of airway remodeling in asthma and how this contributes to the disease process. We provide an overview of the existing knowledge on airway remodeling features observed in asthma, including loss of epithelial integrity, mucous cell metaplasia, extracellular matrix remodeling in both the airways and vessels, angiogenesis, and increased smooth muscle mass. While such studies have provided extensive knowledge on different aspects of airway remodeling, they have relied on biopsy sampling or pathological assessment of lungs from fatal asthma patients, which have limitations for understanding airway heterogeneity and the entire asthma syndrome. To further understand the heterogeneity of airway remodeling in asthma, we highlight the potential of in vivo imaging tools such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Such volumetric imaging tools provide the opportunity to assess the heterogeneity of airway remodeling within the whole lung and have led to the novel identification of heterogenous gas trapping and mucus plugging as important predictors of patient outcomes. Lastly, we summarize the current knowledge of modification of airway remodeling with available asthma therapeutics to highlight the need for future studies that use in vivo imaging tools to assess airway remodeling outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Hsieh
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Najmeh Assadinia
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Tillie-Louise Hackett,
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Tielemans B, Dekoster K, Verleden SE, Sawall S, Leszczyński B, Laperre K, Vanstapel A, Verschakelen J, Kachelriess M, Verbeken E, Swoger J, Vande Velde G. From Mouse to Man and Back: Closing the Correlation Gap between Imaging and Histopathology for Lung Diseases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E636. [PMID: 32859103 PMCID: PMC7554749 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases such as fibrosis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, infection and cancer are life-threatening conditions that slowly deteriorate quality of life and for which our diagnostic power is high, but our knowledge on etiology and/or effective treatment options still contains important gaps. In the context of day-to-day practice, clinical and preclinical studies, clinicians and basic researchers team up and continuously strive to increase insights into lung disease progression, diagnostic and treatment options. To unravel disease processes and to test novel therapeutic approaches, investigators typically rely on end-stage procedures such as serum analysis, cyto-/chemokine profiles and selective tissue histology from animal models. These techniques are useful but provide only a snapshot of disease processes that are essentially dynamic in time and space. Technology allowing evaluation of live animals repeatedly is indispensable to gain a better insight into the dynamics of lung disease progression and treatment effects. Computed tomography (CT) is a clinical diagnostic imaging technique that can have enormous benefits in a research context too. Yet, the implementation of imaging techniques in laboratories lags behind. In this review we want to showcase the integrated approaches and novel developments in imaging, lung functional testing and pathological techniques that are used to assess, diagnose, quantify and treat lung disease and that may be employed in research on patients and animals. Imaging approaches result in often novel anatomical and functional biomarkers, resulting in many advantages, such as better insight in disease progression and a reduction in the numbers of animals necessary. We here showcase integrated assessment of lung disease with imaging and histopathological technologies, applied to the example of lung fibrosis. Better integration of clinical and preclinical imaging technologies with pathology will ultimately result in improved clinical translation of (therapy) study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birger Tielemans
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Kaat Dekoster
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Stijn E. Verleden
- Department of CHROMETA, BREATHE lab, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.E.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Stefan Sawall
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), X-Ray Imaging and CT, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Bartosz Leszczyński
- Department of Medical Physics, M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Kraków, Poland;
| | | | - Arno Vanstapel
- Department of CHROMETA, BREATHE lab, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.E.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Johny Verschakelen
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Marc Kachelriess
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), X-Ray Imaging and CT, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Erik Verbeken
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Jim Swoger
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
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Euler A, Blüthgen C, Wurnig MC, Jungraithmayr W, Boss A. Can texture analysis in ultrashort echo-time MRI distinguish primary graft dysfunction from acute rejection in lung transplants? A multidimensional assessment in a mouse model. J Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 51:108-116. [PMID: 31150142 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.26817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiation of early postoperative complications affects treatment options after lung transplantation. PURPOSE To assess if texture analysis in ultrashort echo-time (UTE) MRI allows distinction of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) from acute transplant rejection (ATR) in a mouse lung transplant model. STUDY TYPE Longitudinal. ANIMAL MODEL Single left lung transplantation was performed in two cohorts of six mice (strain C57BL/6) receiving six syngeneic (strain C57BL/6) and six allogeneic lung transplants (strain BALB/c (H-2Kd )). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 4.7T small-animal MRI/eight different UTE sequences (echo times: 50-5000 μs) at three different postoperative timepoints (1, 3, and 7 days after transplantation). ASSESSMENT Nineteen different first- and higher-order texture features were computed on multiple axial slices for each combination of UTE and timepoint (24 setups) in each mouse. Texture features were compared for transplanted (graft) and contralateral native lungs between and within syngeneic and allogeneic cohorts. Histopathology served as a reference. STATISTICAL TESTS Nonparametric tests and correlation matrix analysis were used. RESULTS Pathology revealed PGD in the syngeneic and ATR in the allogeneic cohort. Skewness and low-gray-level run-length features were significantly different between PGD and ATR for all investigated setups (P < 0.03). These features were significantly different between graft and native lung in ATR for most setups (minimum of 20/24 setups; all P < 0.05). The number of significantly different features between PGD and ATR increased with elapsing postoperative time. Differences in significant features were highest for an echo-time of 1500 μs. DATA CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that texture analysis in UTE-MRI might be a tool for the differentiation of PGD and ATR in the early postoperative phase after lung transplantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:108-116.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Euler
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Blüthgen
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moritz C Wurnig
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Andreas Boss
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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In Vivo Detection and Measurement of Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection in Mouse Models Using Microcomputed Tomography with Contrast Agent. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2019; 2019:5940301. [PMID: 30956627 PMCID: PMC6431409 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5940301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) using the intravascular contrast agent ExiTron nano 12000 for aorta imaging and monitoring the dynamic changing process of the aorta in mouse models with aortic aneurysm and dissection. Materials and Methods Experiments were performed on healthy mice and mice with aortic dissection. Mice that were developing aortic dissection and healthy mice underwent micro-CT imaging after injection of ExiTron nano 12000. Time-dependent signal enhancement (at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 hours after intravenous injection of the contrast agent, respectively) in the aorta of healthy mice was measured to confirm the optimal imaging time of aorta. Various contrast agent doses (70, 100, and 150 μl per 25 g mouse, respectively) were investigated to determine the optimal required dose for imaging of the aorta. The mice were scanned with micro-CT at 1, 14, and 28 days after onset of aneurysm and dissection to monitor the dynamic changing process of the aorta. Mouse aortas were stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the diameter of the aorta was measured and compared with those obtained by micro-CT. Results Time-dependent signal enhancement in the aorta shows that the contrast agent has a long blood half-life of 6 hours, with a peak enhancement at 2 hours after injection. Injection of 100 μl ExiTron nano 12000 per 25 g mouse allows for effective visualization of the aorta. Micro-CT combined with contrast agent can monitor the changing process of the aorta in the mouse model of aortic aneurysm and dissection dynamically. The values of the diameter of the aortas obtained from the in vivo micro-CT imaging were compared with those obtained from histology and showed a significant correlation (R2 = 0.96). Conclusions These data demonstrate that in vivo micro-CT is an accurate and feasible technique to detect aortic aneurysm or dissection in a mouse model, and the micro-CT technique using the innovative contrast agent ExiTron nano 12000 allows for monitoring various processes dynamically such as aortic remodeling in longitudinal studies.
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Kenkel D, Yamada Y, Weiger M, Wurnig MC, Jungraithmayr W, Boss A. Magnetisation transfer as a biomarker for chronic airway fibrosis in a mouse lung transplantation model. Eur Radiol Exp 2018; 2:3. [PMID: 29708209 PMCID: PMC5909363 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-017-0032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic airway fibrosis (CAF) is the most prevalent complication in human lung transplant recipients. The aim of the study is to evaluate magnetisation transfer (MT) as a biomarker of developing CAF of lung transplants in a mouse model. Methods Lung transplantation was performed in 48 mice, applying major or minor histocompatibility mismatches between strains for the induction of CAF. MT measurements were performed in vivo with systematic variation of off-resonance frequencies and flip angle of the MT prepulse. MT ratios (MTRs) were compared for lungs showing CAF and without CAF. Results Seven out of 24 animals (29%) showed a pattern of CAF at histology. All mice developing CAF also showed signs of acute rejection, whereas none of the lungs showed signs of other post-transplant complications. After lung transplantation, pulmonary infiltration was a frequent finding (14 out of 24) exhibiting a higher MTR (24.8% ± 4.5%) compared to well-ventilated lungs (12.3% ± 6.9%, p = 0.001) at 8000 Hz off-resonance frequency, 3000° flip angle. In infiltrated lung tissue exhibiting CAF, lower MTR values (21.8% ± 5.7%) were found compared to infiltrated lungs showing signs of acute rejection alone (26.5% ± 2.9%, p = 0.028), at 8000 Hz, 3000° flip angle. The highest MTR values were observed at 3000° flip angle, using a 1000 Hz off-resonance frequency. Conclusion MTR might serve as a tool for the detection of CAF in infiltrated lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kenkel
- 1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yoshito Yamada
- 2Division of Thoracic Surgery and Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Weiger
- 3Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moritz C Wurnig
- 1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Jungraithmayr
- 2Division of Thoracic Surgery and Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University Brandenburg, Neuruppin, Brandenburg Germany
| | - Andreas Boss
- 1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Marenzana M, Vande Velde G. Refine, reduce, replace: Imaging of fibrosis and arthritis in animal models. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2015; 29:715-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Vande Velde G, Poelmans J, De Langhe E, Hillen A, Vanoirbeek J, Himmelreich U, Lories RJ. Longitudinal micro-CT provides biomarkers of lung disease that can be used to assess the effect of therapy in preclinical mouse models, and reveal compensatory changes in lung volume. Dis Model Mech 2015; 9:91-8. [PMID: 26563390 PMCID: PMC4728330 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo lung micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is being increasingly embraced in pulmonary research because it provides longitudinal information on dynamic disease processes in a field in which ex vivo assessment of experimental disease models is still the gold standard. To optimize the quantitative monitoring of progression and therapy of lung diseases, we evaluated longitudinal changes in four different micro-CT-derived biomarkers [aerated lung volume, lung tissue (including lesions) volume, total lung volume and mean lung density], describing normal development, lung infections, inflammation, fibrosis and therapy. Free-breathing mice underwent micro-CT before and repeatedly after induction of lung disease (bleomycin-induced fibrosis, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary cryptococcosis) and therapy (imatinib). The four lung biomarkers were quantified. After the last time point, we performed pulmonary function tests and isolated the lungs for histology. None of the biomarkers remained stable during longitudinal follow-up of adult healthy mouse lungs, implying that biomarkers should be compared with age-matched controls upon intervention. Early inflammation and progressive fibrosis led to a substantial increase in total lung volume, which affects the interpretation of aerated lung volume, tissue volume and mean lung density measures. Upon treatment of fibrotic lung disease, the improvement in aerated lung volume and function was not accompanied by a normalization of the increased total lung volume. Significantly enlarged lungs were also present in models of rapidly and slowly progressing lung infections. The data suggest that total lung volume changes could partly reflect a compensatory mechanism that occurs during disease progression in mice. Our findings underscore the importance of quantifying total lung volume in addition to aerated lung or lesion volumes to accurately document growth and potential compensatory mechanisms in mouse models of lung disease, in order to fully describe and understand dynamic processes during lung disease onset, progression and therapy. This is highly relevant for the translation of therapy evaluation results from preclinical studies to human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Poelmans
- Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Ellen De Langhe
- Laboratory of Tissue Homeostasis and Disease, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium Division of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Amy Hillen
- Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Rik J Lories
- Laboratory of Tissue Homeostasis and Disease, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium Division of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
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Bianchi A, Tibiletti M, Kjørstad Å, Birk G, Schad LR, Stierstorfer B, Rasche V, Stiller D. Three-dimensional accurate detection of lung emphysema in rats using ultra-short and zero echo time MRI. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2015; 28:1471-1479. [PMID: 26403226 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Emphysema is a life-threatening pathology that causes irreversible destruction of alveolar walls. In vivo imaging techniques play a fundamental role in the early non-invasive pre-clinical and clinical detection and longitudinal follow-up of this pathology. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using high resolution radial three-dimensional (3D) zero echo time (ZTE) and 3D ultra-short echo time (UTE) MRI to accurately detect lung pathomorphological changes in a rodent model of emphysema.Porcine pancreas elastase (PPE) was intratracheally administered to the rats to produce the emphysematous changes. 3D ZTE MRI, low and high definition 3D UTE MRI and micro-computed tomography images were acquired 4 weeks after the PPE challenge. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were measured in PPE-treated and control rats. T2* values were computed from low definition 3D UTE MRI. Histomorphometric measurements were made after euthanizing the animals. Both ZTE and UTE MR images showed a significant decrease in the SNR measured in PPE-treated lungs compared with controls, due to the pathomorphological changes taking place in the challenged lungs. A significant decrease in T2* values in PPE-challenged animals compared with controls was measured using UTE MRI. Histomorphometric measurements showed a significant increase in the mean linear intercept in PPE-treated lungs. UTE yielded significantly higher SNR compared with ZTE (14% and 30% higher in PPE-treated and non-PPE-treated lungs, respectively).This study showed that optimized 3D radial UTE and ZTE MRI can provide lung images of excellent quality, with high isotropic spatial resolution (400 µm) and SNR in parenchymal tissue (>25) and negligible motion artifacts in freely breathing animals. These techniques were shown to be useful non-invasive instruments to accurately and reliably detect the pathomorphological alterations taking place in emphysematous lungs, without incurring the risks of cumulative radiation exposure typical of micro-computed tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bianchi
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research, In-Vivo Imaging Laboratory, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Marta Tibiletti
- Core Facility Small Animal MRI, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Åsmund Kjørstad
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Gerald Birk
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research, Target Validation Technologies, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Lothar R Schad
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Birgit Stierstorfer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research, Target Validation Technologies, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Core Facility Small Animal MRI, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Detlef Stiller
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research, In-Vivo Imaging Laboratory, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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Chuck NC, Boss A, Wurnig MC, Weiger M, Yamada Y, Jungraithmayr W. Ultra-short echo-time magnetic resonance imaging distinguishes ischemia/reperfusion injury from acute rejection in a mouse lung transplantation model. Transpl Int 2015; 29:108-18. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C. Chuck
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Andreas Boss
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Moritz C. Wurnig
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; University Hospital Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Markus Weiger
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering; University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute for Technology; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Yoshito Yamada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery; University Hospital Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
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Comparison Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography of the Lung in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis With Regard to Clinical, Laboratory, and Pulmonary Functional Parameters. Invest Radiol 2015; 50:733-42. [DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hua XW, Lu TF, Li DW, Wang WG, Li J, Liu ZZ, Lin WW, Zhang JJ, Xia Q. Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography using ExiTron nano6000 for assessment of liver injury. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:8043-8051. [PMID: 26185375 PMCID: PMC4499346 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i26.8043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) using ExiTron nano6000 for assessment of liver lesions in mouse models.
METHODS: Three mouse models of liver lesions were used: bile duct ligation (BDL), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN), and alcohol. After injection with the contrast agent ExiTron nano6000, the mice were scanned with micro-CT. Liver lesions were evaluated using CECT images, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and serum aminotransferase levels. Macrophage distribution in the injury models was shown by immunohistochemical staining of CD68. The in vitro studies measured the densities of RAW264.7 under different conditions by CECT.
RESULTS: In the in vitro studies, CECT provided specific and strong contrast enhancement of liver in mice. CECT could present heterogeneous images and densities of injured livers induced by BDL, LPS/D-GalN, and alcohol. The liver histology and immunochemistry of CD68 demonstrated that both dilated biliary tracts and necrosis in the injured livers could lead to the heterogeneous distribution of macrophages. The in vitro study showed that the RAW264.7 cell masses had higher densities after LPS activation.
CONCLUSION: Micro-CT with the contrast agent ExiTron nano6000 is feasible for detecting various liver lesions by emphasizing the heterogeneous textures and densities of CECT images.
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Magnetic resonance imaging for noninvasive assessment of lung fibrosis onset and progression: cross-validation and comparison of different magnetic resonance imaging protocols with micro-computed tomography and histology in the bleomycin-induced mouse model. Invest Radiol 2015; 49:691-8. [PMID: 24872004 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bleomycin instillation is frequently used to model lung fibrosis, although the onset and severity of pathology varies highly between mice. This makes non-invasive fibrosis detection and quantification essential to obtain a comprehensive analysis of the disease course and to validate novel therapies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of lung disease progression and therapy may provide such a sensitive in vivo readout of lung fibrosis, bypassing radiotoxicity concerns (when using micro-CT [μCT]) and elaborate invasive end point measurements (histology). We aimed to optimize and evaluate 3 different lung MRI contrast and acquisition methods to visualize disease onset and progression in the bleomycin-induced mouse model of lung fibrosis using a small-animal MRI scanner. For validation, we compared the MRI results with established μCT and histological measures of lung fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Free-breathing bleomycin-instilled and control mice were scanned in vivo with respiration-triggered conventional, ultrashort echo time and self-gated MRI pulse sequences (9.4 T) and μCT at baseline and weekly at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after bleomycin instillation. After the last imaging time point, the mice were killed and the lungs were isolated for criterion standard histological analysis of lung fibrosis and quantification of lung collagen content for validation of the imaging results. The agreement between quantitative MRI and μCT data and standard measurements was analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS All 3 MRI protocols were able to visualize and quantify lung pathology onset and progression in individual bleomycin-instilled mice. In vivo MRI results were in excellent agreement with in vivo μCT and criterion standard histological measures of lung fibrosis. Ultrashort echo time MRI appeared particularly useful for detecting early disease; self-gated MRI, for improved breathing motion handling. DISCUSSION Magnetic resonance imaging sensitively visualizes and quantifies lung fibrosis in vivo, which makes it a noninvasive, translatable, safe, and potentially more versatile alternative to invasive methods or μCT, thereby stimulating pathogenesis and preclinical research.
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Guo J, Huang HJ, Wang X, Wang W, Ellison H, Thomen RP, Gelman AE, Woods JC. Imaging mouse lung allograft rejection with (1)H MRI. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:1970-8. [PMID: 24954886 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To demonstrate that longitudinal, noninvasive monitoring via MRI can characterize acute cellular rejection in mouse orthotopic lung allografts. METHODS Nineteen Balb/c donor to C57BL/6 recipient orthotopic left lung transplants were performed, further divided into control-Ig versus anti-CD4/anti-CD8 treated groups. A two-dimensional multislice gradient-echo pulse sequence synchronized with ventilation was used on a small-animal MR scanner to acquire proton images of lung at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, just before sacrifice. Lung volume and parenchymal signal were measured, and lung compliance was calculated as volume change per pressure difference between high and low pressures. RESULTS Normalized parenchymal signal in the control-Ig allograft increased over time, with statistical significance between day 14 and day 3 posttransplantation (0.046→0.789; P < 0.05), despite large intermouse variations; this was consistent with histopathologic evidence of rejection. Compliance of the control-Ig allograft decreased significantly over time (0.013→0.003; P < 0.05), but remained constant in mice treated with anti-CD4/anti-CD8 antibodies. CONCLUSION Lung allograft rejection in individual mice can be monitored by lung parenchymal signal changes and by lung compliance through MRI. Longitudinal imaging can help us better understand the time course of individual lung allograft rejection and response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbang Guo
- Center for Pulmonary Imaging Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Department of Physics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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