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Suarez AC, Gimenez CJ, Russell SR, Wang M, Munson JM, Myers KM, Miller KS, Abramowitch SD, De Vita R. Pregnancy-induced remodeling of the murine reproductive tract: a longitudinal in vivo magnetic resonance imaging study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:586. [PMID: 38182631 PMCID: PMC10770079 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50437-1] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancy requires gradual yet extreme remodeling of the reproductive organs to support the growth of the embryos and their birth. After delivery, the reproductive organs return to their non-pregnant state. As pregnancy has traditionally been understudied, there are many unknowns pertaining to the mechanisms behind this remarkable remodeling and repair process which, when not successful, can lead to pregnancy-related complications such as maternal trauma, pre-term birth, and pelvic floor disorders. This study presents the first longitudinal imaging data that focuses on revealing anatomical alterations of the vagina, cervix, and uterine horns during pregnancy and postpartum using the mouse model. By utilizing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, T1-weighted and T2-weighted images of the reproductive organs of three mice in their in vivo environment were collected at five time points: non-pregnant, mid-pregnant (gestation day: 9-10), late pregnant (gestation day: 16-17), postpartum (24-72 h after delivery) and three weeks postpartum. Measurements of the vagina, cervix, and uterine horns were taken by analyzing MRI segmentations of these organs. The cross-sectional diameter, length, and volume of the vagina increased in late pregnancy and then returned to non-pregnant values three weeks after delivery. The cross-sectional diameter of the cervix decreased at mid-pregnancy before increasing in late pregnancy. The volume of the cervix peaked at late pregnancy before shortening by 24-72 h postpartum. As expected, the uterus increased in cross-sectional diameter, length, and volume during pregnancy. The uterine horns decreased in size postpartum, ultimately returning to their average non-pregnant size three weeks postpartum. The newly developed methods for acquiring longitudinal in vivo MRI scans of the murine reproductive system can be extended to future studies that evaluate functional and morphological alterations of this system due to pathologies, interventions, and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen C Suarez
- STRETCH Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, 325 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Clara J Gimenez
- STRETCH Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, 325 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Serena R Russell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, 234 S W. Mudd, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Maosen Wang
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, 4 Riverside Circle,, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Jennifer M Munson
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, 4 Riverside Circle,, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Kristin M Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, 234 S W. Mudd, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Kristin S Miller
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Steven D Abramowitch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Raffaella De Vita
- STRETCH Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, 325 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Jacquier M, Arthuis C, Grévent D, Bussières L, Henry C, Millischer-Bellaiche AE, Mahallati H, Ville Y, Siauve N, Salomon LJ. Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A review of its application in the assessment of placental function. Placenta 2021; 114:90-99. [PMID: 34507031 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
It is important to develop a better understanding of placental insufficiency given its role in common maternofetal complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Functional magnetic resonance imaging offers unprecedented techniques for exploring the placenta under both normal and pathological physiological conditions. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) is an established and very robust method to investigate the microcirculatory parameters of an organ and more specifically its perfusion. It is currently a gold standard in the physiological and circulatory evaluation of an organ. Its application to the human placenta could enable to access many microcirculatory parameters relevant to the placental function such as organ blood flow, fractional blood volume, and permeability surface area, by the acquisition of serial images, before, during, and after administration of an intravenous contrast agent. Widely used in animal models with gadolinium-based contrast agents, its application to the human placenta could be possible if the safety of contrast agents in pregnancy is established or they are confirmed to not cross the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Jacquier
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Chloé Arthuis
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, CHU Nantes, 38 Boulevard Jean Monnet, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - David Grévent
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bussières
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Charline Henry
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Anne-Elodie Millischer-Bellaiche
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Houman Mahallati
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yves Ville
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Siauve
- Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Louis Mourier, 178 Rue des Renouillers, 92700, Colombes, France; INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Paris, France
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France.
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Deloison B, Arthuis C, Benchimol G, Balvay D, Bussieres L, Millischer AE, Grévent D, Butor C, Chalouhi G, Mahallati H, Hélénon O, Tavitian B, Clement O, Ville Y, Siauve N, Salomon LJ. Human placental perfusion measured using dynamic contrast enhancement MRI. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256769. [PMID: 34473740 PMCID: PMC8412340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) and measure values of in vivo placental perfusion in women. Methods This study was part of the Placentimage trial (NCT01092949). Gadolinium-chelate (Gd) enhanced dynamic MRI was performed two days before termination of pregnancies at 16 to 34 weeks gestational age (GA). Quantitative analysis was performed using one-compartment intravascular modeling. DCE perfusion parameters were analyzed across GA and were compared in IUGR and AGA fetuses. Results 134 patients were enrolled. After quality control check, 62 DCE MRI were analyzed including 48 and 14 pregnancies with normal and abnormal karyotypes, respectively. Mean placental blood flow was 129±61 mL/min/100ml in cases with normal karyotypes. Fetuses affected by IUGR (n = 13) showed significantly lower total placental blood flow values than AGA fetuses (n = 35) (F total = 122±88 mL/min versus 259±34 mL/min, p = 0.002). DCE perfusion parameters showed a linear correlation with GA. Conclusions Measuring placental perfusion in vivo is possible using DCE MRI. Although this study has many limitations it gives us the first DCE MRI values that provide a potential standard for future research into placental perfusion methods and suggests that placental functional parameters are altered in IUGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Deloison
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Arthuis
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital mère-enfant, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Gabriel Benchimol
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Balvay
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bussieres
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Elodie Millischer
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - David Grévent
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Cécile Butor
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Gihad Chalouhi
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Houman Mahallati
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Hélénon
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Tavitian
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Clement
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Yves Ville
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Siauve
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Colombes, France
| | - Laurent Julien Salomon
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Ponrartana S, Moore MM, Chan SS, Victoria T, Dillman JR, Chavhan GB. Safety issues related to intravenous contrast agent use in magnetic resonance imaging. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:736-747. [PMID: 33871726 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04896-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been used to improve image quality of MRI examinations for decades and have an excellent overall safety record. However, there are well-documented risks associated with GBCAs and our understanding and management of these risks continue to evolve. The purpose of this review is to discuss the safety of GBCAs used in MRI in adult and pediatric populations. We focus particular attention on acute adverse reactions, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and gadolinium deposition. We also discuss the non-GBCA MRI contrast agent ferumoxytol, which is increasing in use and has its own risk profile. Finally, we identify special populations at higher risk of harm from GBCA administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skorn Ponrartana
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., MS# 81, Los Angeles, CA, 90064, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Michael M Moore
- Department of Radiology, Penn State Children's Hospital, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Sherwin S Chan
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA.,Department of Radiology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Teresa Victoria
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan R Dillman
- Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Govind B Chavhan
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Flouri D, Darby JRT, Holman SL, Perumal SR, David AL, Morrison JL, Melbourne A. Magnetic resonance imaging of placentome development in the pregnant Ewe. Placenta 2021; 105:61-69. [PMID: 33549925 PMCID: PMC7611430 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Novel imaging measurements of placental development are difficult to validate due to the invasive nature of gold-standard procedures. Animal studies have been important in validation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in invasive preclinical studies, as they allow for controlled experiments and analysis of multiple time-points during pregnancy. This study characterises the longitudinal diffusion and perfusion properties of sheep placentomes using MRI, measurements that are required for future validation studies. METHODS Pregnant ewes were anaesthetised for a MRI session on a 3T scanner. Placental MRI was used to classify placentomes morphologically into three types based on their shape and size at two gestational ages. To validate classification accuracy, placentome type derived from MRI data were compared with placentome categorisation results after delivery. Diffusion-Weighted MRI and T2-relaxometry were used to measure a broad range of biophysical properties of the placentomes. RESULTS MRI morphological classification results showed consistent gestational age changes in placentome shape, as supported by post-delivery gold standard data. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient was significantly higher at 110 days gestation than at late gestation (~140 days; term, 150 days). Mean T2 was higher at mid gestation (152.2 ± 58.1 ms) compared to late gestation (127.8 ms ± 52.0). Significantly higher perfusion fraction was measured in late gestation placentomes that also had a significantly higher fractional anisotropy when compared to the earlier gestational age. DISCUSSION We report baseline measurements of techniques common in placental MRI for the sheep placenta. These measurements are essential to support future validation measurements of placental MRI techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Flouri
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stacey L Holman
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sunthara R Perumal
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Preclinical, Imaging & Research Laboratories, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anna L David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Recio Rodríguez M, Andreu-Vázquez C, Thuissard-Vasallo IJ, Cano Alonso R, Bermejo López C, Tamarit Degenhardt I, Martínez Ten P. Real-Life Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI in Prenatal Diagnosis. Radiol Res Pract 2020; 2020:4085349. [PMID: 33062332 PMCID: PMC7542514 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4085349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is some controversy about the value of fetal MRI in prenatal diagnosis, and most of the studies examine its accuracy in central nervous system (CNS) pathology. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy and usefulness of fetal MRI in the prenatal diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) pathology and non-CNS pathology. Patients referred to the Radiology Department between 2007 and 2018 for a fetal MRI after detection of an anomaly in the fetal ultrasound, a high-risk pregnancy, or an inconclusive fetal ultrasound (n = 623) were included in the study. Postnatal diagnosis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MRI. Fetal MRI was considered to provide additional information over fetal ultrasound when findings of the fetal MRI were not detected in the fetal ultrasound or when established a pathological condition that was not detected in the fetal ultrasound. Fetal MRI provided useful information for the perinatal management and prognosis over fetal ultrasound when findings of the fetal MRI changed the postnatal prognosis, leaded to the decision to legally terminate the pregnancy, changed prenatal or postnatal follow-up, or helped in the planning of prenatal or postnatal treatment. Fetal MRI offered an accurate diagnosis in 97% of cases (compared to 90.4% of fetal ultrasound; p < 0.001). Concordance between fetal ultrasound and fetal MRI was 92.1%. Fetal MRI provided additional information over fetal ultrasound in 23.1% of cases. In 11.6% of cases, the information was useful for the perinatal management and prognosis. In 45 cases (7.2%), fetal MRI was the only accurate diagnosis. In conclusion, fetal MRI has a superior diagnostic accuracy, especially in CNS pathology, and provides additional useful information in CNS, thoracic, and abdominal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Recio Rodríguez
- Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imagen, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Andreu-Vázquez
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Cano Alonso
- Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imagen, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ines Tamarit Degenhardt
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Non-invasive assessment of placental perfusion in vivo using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI: A preclinical study in rats. Placenta 2019; 77:39-45. [PMID: 30827354 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-invasive assessment of placental perfusion is of great interest to characterize placental function in clinical practice. This article proposes a strictly non-invasive MRI technique using ASL to quantify placental blood flow in vivo. The aim of this study was to develop a fMRI tool to quantify placental blood flow (PBF) in rat, by using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI at 4.7 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI was performed with a dedicated magnet for small animals, in pregnant rats on day 20 of the 22-day gestation period. A Look-Locker flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery gradient echo sequence was developed as ASL technique (TE: 1.55 ms; TR: 3.5 ms, TI: 56 ms, deltaTI: 56 ms, FA: 20°, Matrix: 128 × 128, 8 segments, 4 Nex). Labeling was performed with global and slice-selective inversions, and T1 map was obtained for each mode of inversion. PBF was then derived from a compartmental model of the variation of T1 between global and slice-selective inversions. RESULTS The full protocol was completed and ASL image post-processing was successful in 18 rats. Forty-seven placentas were analyzed, with a mean PBF of 147 ± 70 ml/min/100 g of placenta, consistent with published values of placental perfusion using invasive techniques. CONCLUSION ASL MRI is feasible for the quantification of PBF in rats at 4.7 T. This technique, which requires no administration of contrast media, could have implications for non-invasive longitudinal and in vivo animal studies and may be useful for the management of human pregnancies.
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Arthuis CJ, Mendes V, Même S, Même W, Rousselot C, Winer N, Novell A, Perrotin F. Comparative determination of placental perfusion by magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in a murine model of intrauterine growth restriction. Placenta 2018; 69:74-81. [PMID: 30213488 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exploration of placental perfusion is essential in screening for dysfunctions impairing fetal growth. The objective of this study was to assess the potential value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for examining placental perfusion in a murine model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We also studied the reproducibility of perfusion quantification by CEUS. METHODS Pregnant Sprague Dawley rat models of IUGR were studied during the third trimester. Unilateral uterine artery ligation induced IUGR. Placental perfusion was evaluated by CEUS and perfusion MRI with gadolinium for both ligated and control fetoplacental units. The kinetic parameters of the two imaging modalities were then compared. RESULTS The analysis included 20 rats. The study showed good reproducibility of the CEUS indicators. The CEUS perfusion index approximated the blood flow rate and was halved in the ligation group (27.9 [u.a] (±14.8)) versus 61 [u.a] (±22.3) on the control side (P = 0.0003). MRI with gadolinium injection showed a clear reduction in the blood flow rate to 51.2 mL/min/100 mL (IQR 34.9-54.9) in the ligated horn, compared with 90.9 mL/min/100 mL (IQR 85.1-95.7) for the control side (P < 0.0001). The semiquantitative indicators obtained from the kinetic curves for both CEUS and MRI showed similar trends. Nonetheless, values were more widely dispersed with CEUS than MRI. DISCUSSION The similar results for the quantification of placental perfusion by MRI and CEUS reinforce the likelihood that CEUS can be used to identify IUGR in a murine model induced by uterine vessel ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-J Arthuis
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Nantes, CIC Mère Enfant Nantes, UMR 1280, INRA Phan Physiologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, France.
| | - V Mendes
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France
| | - S Même
- CNRS, Center of Molecular Biophysics, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans Cedex, France
| | - W Même
- CNRS, Center of Molecular Biophysics, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans Cedex, France
| | - C Rousselot
- Department of Anatomy, Cytology and Pathology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10 bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France
| | - N Winer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Nantes, CIC Mère Enfant Nantes, UMR 1280, INRA Phan Physiologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, France
| | - A Novell
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France
| | - F Perrotin
- UMR Inserm U930, University of Tours, 10 bd ter Tonnellé, 37032, Tours Cedex 1, France; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regional Center Tours, 10bd Tonnellé, 37044, Tours, France
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Lémery Magnin M, Fitoussi V, Siauve N, Pidial L, Balvay D, Autret G, Cuenod CA, Clément O, Salomon LJ. Assessment of Placental Perfusion in the Preeclampsia L-NAME Rat Model with High-Field Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI. Fetal Diagn Ther 2018; 44:277-284. [PMID: 29689556 DOI: 10.1159/000484314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate placental function and perfusion in a rat model of preeclampsia infused with L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) by dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI using gadolinium chelates. METHODS Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were fitted on embryonic day 16 (E16) with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps loaded to deliver, continuously, L-NAME (50 mg/day per rat; case group) or saline solution (control group). DCE MRI was performed on E19 using gadolinium chelates and a 4.7-T MRI apparatus for small animals. Quantitative analysis was performed using an image software program: placental blood flow (perfusion in mL/min/100 mL of placenta) and fractional volume of the maternal vascular placental compartment (ratio between the placental blood volume and the placental volume, Vb in %) were calculated by compartmental analysis. RESULTS A total of 176 placentas (27 rats) were analyzed by DCE MRI (97 cases and 79 controls). The model was effective, inducing intrauterine growth retardation, as there was a significant difference between the two groups for placental weight (p < 0.01), fetal weight (p = 0.019), and fetal length (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in placental perfusion between the L-NAME and control groups (140.1 ± 74.1 vs. 148.9 ± 97.4, respectively; p = 0.496). There was a significant difference between the L-NAME and control groups for Vb (53 ± 12.9 vs. 46.7 ± 9%, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION In the L-NAME preeclampsia model, placental perfusion is normal and the fractional blood volume is increased, suggesting that preeclampsia is not always expressed as a result of decreased placental perfusion. This highlights the usefulness of MRI for investigating the physiopathology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Balvay
- Small Animal Imaging Platform, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gwennhael Autret
- Small Animal Imaging Platform, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Laurent Julien Salomon
- INSERM UMR 970, PARCC-HEGP, Paris, .,Gynécologie Obstétrique, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, .,EHU Fetus and Lumière Platform, Université Paris Descartes, Paris,
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10
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Remus CC, Kording F, Arck P, Solano E, Sedlacik J, Adam G, Hecher K, Forkert ND. DCE MRI reveals early decreased and later increased placenta perfusion after a stress challenge during pregnancy in a mouse model. Placenta 2018; 65:15-19. [PMID: 29908637 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Stress during pregnancy is known to have negative effects on fetal outcome. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine placental perfusion alterations after stress challenge during pregnancy in a mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seven Tesla MRI was performed on pregnant mice at embrionic day (ED) 14.5 and 16.5. Twenty dams were exposed to an established acoustic stress challenge model while twenty non-exposed dams served as controls. Placental perfusion was analyzed in dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI using the steepest slope model. The two functional placental compartments, the highly vascularized labyrinth and the endocrine junctional zone, were assessed separately. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed decreased perfusion levels in the stress group at ED 14.5 compared to controls in both placenta compartments. On ED 16.5, the perfusion level increased significantly in the stress group while placenta perfusion in controls remained similar or even slightly decreased leading to an overall increased perfusion in the stress group on ED 16.5 compared to controls. CONCLUSION MR imaging allows noninvasive placenta perfusion assessment in this fetal stress mimicking animal model. In this exploratory study, we demonstrated that stress challenge during pregnancy leads to an initial reduction followed by an increase of placenta perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chressen Catharina Remus
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Fabian Kording
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Center for Obstetrics and Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emilia Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Center for Obstetrics and Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Sedlacik
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Center for Obstetrics and Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nils Daniel Forkert
- Department of Radiology and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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11
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Shao X, Liu D, Martin T, Chanlaw T, Devaskar SU, Janzen C, Murphy AM, Margolis D, Sung K, Wang DJJ. Measuring human placental blood flow with multidelay 3D GRASE pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling at 3T. J Magn Reson Imaging 2017; 47:1667-1676. [PMID: 29135072 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placenta influences the health of both a woman and her fetus during pregnancy. Maternal blood supply to placenta can be measured noninvasively using arterial spin labeling (ASL). PURPOSE To present a multidelay pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) combined with a fast 3D inner-volume gradient- and spin-echo (GRASE) imaging technique to simultaneously measure placental blood flow (PBF) and arterial transit time (ATT), and to study PBF and ATT evolution with gestational age during the second trimester. The PBF values were compared with uterine arterial Doppler ultrasound to assess its potential clinical utility. STUDY TYPE This was a prospective study. SUBJECTS Thirty-four pregnant women. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Multidelay 3D inner-volume GRASE pCASL sequence on 3T MR scanners. ASSESSMENT Subjects underwent two longitudinal MRI scans within the second trimester, conducted between 14-16 and 19-22 weeks of gestational age, respectively. Placental perfusion was measured using the free-breathing pCASL sequence at three postlabeling delays (PLDs), followed by offline motion correction and model fitting for estimation of PBF and ATT. STATISTICAL TESTS A paired t-test was conducted to evaluate the significance of PBF/ATT variations with placental development. A two-sample t-test was conducted to evaluate the significance of PBF difference in subjects with and without early diastolic notch. RESULTS The mean PBF and ATT for the second trimester were 111.4 ± 26.7 ml/100g/min and 1387.5 ± 88.0 msec, respectively. The average PBF increased by 10.4% (P < 0.05), while no significant change in ATT (P = 0.72) was found along gestational ages during the second trimester. PBF decreased 20.3% (P < 0.01) in subjects with early diastolic notches in ultrasound flow waveform patterns. DATA CONCLUSION Multidelay pCASL with inner-volume 3D GRASE is promising for noninvasive assessment of PBF during pregnancy. Its clinical use for the detection of aberrations in placental function and prediction of fetal developmental disorders awaits evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1667-1676.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfeng Shao
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dapeng Liu
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Thomas Martin
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Teresa Chanlaw
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sherin U Devaskar
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carla Janzen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aisling M Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel Margolis
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kyunghyun Sung
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Danny J J Wang
- Laboratory of FMRI Technology (LOFT), Mark & Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Siauve N, Hayot PH, Deloison B, Chalouhi GE, Alison M, Balvay D, Bussières L, Clément O, Salomon LJ. Assessment of human placental perfusion by intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 32:293-300. [PMID: 28974131 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1378334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide functional information on the human placenta, including perfusion, and diffusion, with no contrast agent injection, and to study correlations between intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) placental parameters and fetal growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI was performed in women undergoing legal termination of pregnancy at 17-34 weeks, including a 4-b-value and 11-b-value DW sequences. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the restricted diffusion coefficient (D), the pseudoperfusion coefficient (D*), and the perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. Their relationships with gestational age, Z-scores for fetal and placental weight were evaluated by means of regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the ability of IVIM parameters to predict/detect intrauterine growth retardation (SGA). RESULTS Fifty-five pregnant women, including nine cases of SGA (16%), were included in the study. The ADC (n = 55) showed a quadratic correlation with gestational age (p < .001) and a linear correlation with the fetal weight Z-score (p = .02). Mean ADC values were significantly different between normally growing and SGA fetuses (2.37 ± 0.25 versus 2.29 ± 0.33 10-3.mm2.s-1, p=.048). The perfusion fraction f (n = 23) showed a quadratic correlation with gestational age (p = .017) and a linear correlation with the fetal weight Z - score (p = .008). Mean f values differed significantly between normally growing and SGA fetuses (42.55 ± 9.30% versus 27.94 ± 8.76%, p = .002). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for f to predict SGA was produced (area under the ROC curve = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS The observed association between f and fetal weight suggests that fMRI could be suitable for studying placental insufficiency and for identifying risk of SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Siauve
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,c Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou , Paris , France
| | - Pierre Humbert Hayot
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Benjamin Deloison
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Gihad E Chalouhi
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Marianne Alison
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France
| | - Daniel Balvay
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,e Plateforme d'Imagerie du Vivant , Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité , Paris , France
| | - Laurence Bussières
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
| | - Olivier Clément
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- a INSERM, U970 , Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Sorbonne Paris Cite , Paris , France.,b EA Fetus & Lumiere Platform , Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France.,d Assistance Publique: Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades , Paris , France
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13
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Mourier E, Tarrade A, Duan J, Richard C, Bertholdt C, Beaumont M, Morel O, Chavatte-Palmer P. Non-invasive evaluation of placental blood flow: lessons from animal models. Reproduction 2016; 153:R85-R96. [PMID: 27845691 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In human obstetrics, placental vascularisation impairment is frequent as well as linked to severe pathological events (preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction), and there is a need for reliable methods allowing non-invasive evaluation of placental blood flow. Uteroplacental vascularisation is complex, and animal models are essential for the technical development and safety assessment of these imaging tools for human clinical use; however, these techniques can also be applied in the veterinary context. This paper reviews how ultrasound-based imaging methods such as 2D and 3D Doppler can provide valuable insight for the exploration of placental blood flow both in humans and animals and how new approaches such as the use of ultrasound contrast agents or ultrafast Doppler may allow to discriminate between maternal (non-pulsatile) and foetal (pulsatile) blood flow in the placenta. Finally, functional magnetic resonance imaging could also be used to evaluate placental blood flow, as indicated by studies in animal models, but its safety in human pregnancy still requires to be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mourier
- UMR BDRINRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France .,PremUp FoundationParis, France
| | - A Tarrade
- UMR BDRINRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France.,PremUp FoundationParis, France
| | - J Duan
- IADIInserm U947, University of Lorraine, CHRU of Brabois, Nancy, France.,CHRU of Nancypole de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Nancy, France
| | - C Richard
- UMR BDRINRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France.,PremUp FoundationParis, France
| | - C Bertholdt
- IADIInserm U947, University of Lorraine, CHRU of Brabois, Nancy, France.,CHRU of Nancypole de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Nancy, France
| | - M Beaumont
- IADIInserm U947, University of Lorraine, CHRU of Brabois, Nancy, France.,CHRU of Nancypole de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Nancy, France
| | - O Morel
- IADIInserm U947, University of Lorraine, CHRU of Brabois, Nancy, France.,CHRU of Nancypole de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Nancy, France
| | - P Chavatte-Palmer
- UMR BDRINRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France.,PremUp FoundationParis, France
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14
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Yadav BK, Neelavalli J, Krishnamurthy U, Szalai G, Shen Y, Nayak NR, Chaiworapongsa T, Hernandez-Andrade E, Than NG, Haacke EM, Romero R. A longitudinal study of placental perfusion using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in murine pregnancy. Placenta 2016; 43:90-7. [PMID: 26947613 PMCID: PMC5704953 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To evaluate changes in placental perfusion with advancing gestation in normal murine pregnancy using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). METHODS Seven timed-pregnant CD-1 mice underwent DCE-MRI scanning longitudinally on gestational days (GD) 13, 15 and 17. Placentas were segmented into high (HPZ) and low perfusion zones (LPZ) using tissue similarity mapping. Blood perfusion of the respective regions and the whole placenta was quantified using the steepest slope method. The diameter of the maternal central canal (CC) was also measured. RESULTS An increase in perfusion was observed between GD13 and GD17 in the overall placenta (p = 0.04) and in the HPZ (p = 0.02). Although perfusion in the LPZ showed a slight increasing trend, it was not significant (p = 0.07). Perfusion, in units of ml/min/100 ml, in the overall placenta and the HPZ was respectively 61.2 ± 31.2 and 106.2 ± 56.3 at GD13 (n = 19 placentas); 90.3 ± 43.7 and 139 ± 55.4 at GD15 (n = 20); and 104.9 ± 76.1 and 172.2 ± 85.6 at GD17 (n = 14). The size of the CC increased with advancing gestation (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION Using longitudinal DCE-MRI, the gestational age-dependent perfusion change in the normal murine placenta and in its regional compartments was quantified. In mid and late gestations, placental constituent regions differ significantly in their perfusion rates. The CC diameter also showed increase with advancing gestation, which may be playing an important role toward the gestational age-dependent increase in placental perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jaladhar Neelavalli
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Uday Krishnamurthy
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gabor Szalai
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yimin Shen
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nihar R Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Lendulet Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - E Mark Haacke
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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15
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Shetty AN, Pautler R, Ghaghada K, Rendon D, Gao H, Starosolski Z, Bhavane R, Patel C, Annapragada A, Yallampalli C, Lee W. A liposomal Gd contrast agent does not cross the mouse placental barrier. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27863. [PMID: 27298076 PMCID: PMC4906290 DOI: 10.1038/srep27863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The trans-placental permeability of liposomal Gadolinium (Gd) nanoparticle contrast agents was evaluated in a pregnant mouse model. Pregnant Balb/c mice at 16.5 (±1) days of gestation were imaged using a 3D Spoiled Gradient Echo method at 9.4 T using two contrast agents: a clinically approved Gd chelate, Multihance® (gadobenate dimeglumine), and a novel experimental liposomal Gd agent. A Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) protocol was used to capture the dynamics of contrast entry and distribution in the placenta, and clearance from circulation. A blinded clinical radiologist evaluated both sets of images. A reference region model was used to measure the placental flow and physiological parameters; volume transfer constant (Ktrans), efflux rate constant (Kep). The Gd content of excised placentae and fetuses was measured, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). MRI images of pregnant mice and ICP-MS analyses of placental and fetal tissue demonstrated undetectably low transplacental permeation of the liposomal Gd agent, while the clinical agent (Multihance) avidly permeated the placental barrier. Image interpretation and diagnostic quality was equivalent between the two contrast agents. Additional testing to determine both maternal and fetal safety of liposomal Gd is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil N Shetty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robia Pautler
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ketan Ghaghada
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - David Rendon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Rohan Bhavane
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Ananth Annapragada
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Chandrasekhar Yallampalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wesley Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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16
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Serov AS, Salafia C, Grebenkov DS, Filoche M. The role of morphology in mathematical models of placental gas exchange. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 120:17-28. [PMID: 26494446 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00543.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The performance of the placenta as a gas exchanger has a direct impact on the future health of the newborn. To provide accurate estimates of respiratory gas exchange rates, placenta models need to account for both the physiology of exchange and the organ morphology. While the former has been extensively studied, accounting for the latter is still a challenge. The geometrical complexity of placental structure requires use of carefully crafted approximations. We present here the state of the art of respiratory gas exchange placenta modeling and demonstrate the influence of the morphology description on model predictions. Advantages and shortcomings of various classes of models are discussed, and experimental techniques that may be used for model validation are summarized. Several directions for future development are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Serov
- Physique de la Matière Condensée, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France; and
| | - C Salafia
- Placental Analytics, LLC, Larchmont, New York
| | - D S Grebenkov
- Physique de la Matière Condensée, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France; and
| | - M Filoche
- Physique de la Matière Condensée, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France; and
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17
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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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Avni R, Neeman M, Garbow JR. Functional MRI of the placenta--From rodents to humans. Placenta 2015; 36:615-22. [PMID: 25916594 PMCID: PMC4452090 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The placenta performs a wide range of physiological functions; insufficiencies in these functions may result in a variety of severe prenatal and postnatal syndromes with long-term negative impacts on human adult health. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of placental function, in both animal models and humans, have contributed significantly to our understanding of placental structure, blood flow, oxygenation status, and metabolic profile, and have provided important insights into pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Avni
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - M Neeman
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - J R Garbow
- Biomedical MR Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
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Automatic differentiation of placental perfusion compartments by time-to-peak analysis in mice. Placenta 2015; 36:255-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Phenotyping the central nervous system of the embryonic mouse by magnetic resonance microscopy. Neuroimage 2014; 97:95-106. [PMID: 24769183 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders are being massively generated, but technologies for their high-throughput phenotyping are missing. The potential of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for structural phenotyping has been demonstrated before. However, application to the embryonic mouse central nervous system has been limited by the insufficient anatomical detail. Here we present a method that combines staining of live embryos with a contrast agent together with MR microscopy after fixation, to provide unprecedented anatomical detail at relevant embryonic stages. By using this method we have phenotyped the embryonic forebrain of Robo1/2(-/-) double mutant mice enabling us to identify most of the well-known anatomical defects in these mutants, as well as novel more subtle alterations. We thus demonstrate the potential of this methodology for a fast and reliable screening of subtle structural abnormalities in the developing mouse brain, as those associated to defects in disease-susceptibility genes of neurologic and psychiatric relevance.
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Krishnamurthy U, Szalai G, Neelavalli J, Shen Y, Chaiworapongsa T, Hernandez-Andrade E, Than NG, Xu Z, Yeo L, Haacke M, Romero R. Quantitative T2 changes and susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in murine pregnancy. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2014; 78:33-40. [PMID: 24861575 PMCID: PMC4119876 DOI: 10.1159/000362552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate gestational age-dependent changes in the T2 relaxation time in normal murine placentas in vivo. The role of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in visualization of the murine fetal anatomy was also elucidated. METHODS Timed-pregnant CD-1 mice at gestational day (GD) 12 and GD17 underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Multi-echo spin echo and SWI data were acquired. The placental T2 values on GD12 and GD17 were quantified. To account for the influence of systemic maternal physiological factors on placental perfusion, maternal muscle was used as a reference for T2 normalization. A linear mixed-effects model was used to fit the normalized T2 values, and the significance of the coefficients was tested. Fetal SWI images were processed and reviewed for venous vasculature and skeletal structures. RESULTS The average placental T2 value decreased significantly on GD17 (40.17 ± 4.10 ms) compared to the value on GD12 (55.78 ± 8.13 ms). The difference in normalized T2 values also remained significant (p = 0.001). Using SWI, major fetal venous structures like the cardinal vein, the subcardinal vein, and the portal vein were visualized on GD12. In addition, fetal skeletal structures could also be discerned on GD17. CONCLUSION The T2 value of a normal murine placenta decreases with advancing gestation. SWI provided clear visualization of the fetal venous vasculature and bony structures. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uday Krishnamurthy
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich., USA
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Frias AE, Schabel MC, Roberts VHJ, Tudorica A, Grigsby PL, Oh KY, Kroenke CD. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to quantitatively characterize maternal vascular organization in the primate placenta. Magn Reson Med 2014; 73:1570-8. [PMID: 24753177 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.25264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The maternal microvasculature of the primate placenta is organized into 10-20 perfusion domains that are functionally optimized to facilitate nutrient exchange to support fetal growth. This study describes a dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging method for identifying vascular domains and quantifying maternal blood flow in them. METHODS A rhesus macaque on the 133rd day of pregnancy (G133, term = 165 days) underwent Doppler ultrasound procedures, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and Cesarean-section delivery. Serial T1 -weighted images acquired throughout intravenous injection of a contrast reagent bolus were analyzed to obtain contrast reagent arrival time maps of the placenta. RESULTS Watershed segmentation of the arrival time map identified 16 perfusion domains. The number and location of these domains corresponded to anatomical cotyledonary units observed following delivery. Analysis of the contrast reagent wave front through each perfusion domain enabled determination of volumetric flow, which ranged from 9.03 to 44.9 mL/s (25.2 ± 10.3 mL/s). These estimates are supported by Doppler ultrasound results. CONCLUSIONS The dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging analysis described here provides quantitative estimates of the number of maternal perfusion domains in a primate placenta and estimates flow within each domain. Anticipated extensions of this technique are to the study placental function in non-human primate models of obstetric complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E Frias
- Division of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; Division of Developmental and Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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Senat MV, Tsatsaris V. Surveillance anténatale, prise en charge et indications de naissance en cas de RCIU vasculaire isolé. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 42:941-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Cuenod C, Balvay D. Perfusion and vascular permeability: Basic concepts and measurement in DCE-CT and DCE-MRI. Diagn Interv Imaging 2013; 94:1187-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Remus C, Sedlacik J, Wedegaertner U, Arck P, Hecher K, Adam G, Forkert N. Application of the steepest slope model reveals different perfusion territories within the mouse placenta. Placenta 2013; 34:899-906. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.06.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Deloison B, Millischer AE, Salomon LJ. IRM placentaire : physiologie et pathologie. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 41:394-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Zhou YJ, Yuan ML, Li R, Zhu LP, Chen ZH. Real-time placental perfusion on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and parametric imaging analysis in rats at different gestation time and different portions of placenta. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58986. [PMID: 23560042 PMCID: PMC3613345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To quantitatively analyze placental perfusion in a rat model at different gestation time and different portions of placenta by real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and parametric imaging analysis. Materials and Methods Sixty pregnant rats at different gestation time (15 dys,17 days and 20 days) were injected intravenously with microbubbles (5×105 microbubbles /ml, 1.0 ml/kg), and cadence contrast pulse sequencing (transmission frequency of 7 MHz, mechanical index 0.18) was performed. Dynamic enhancement changes in placenta at different gestation time and different portions of placenta were measured and enhancement parameters analyzed with software. Correlation between enhancement parameters and average area densities of placenta vascular compartment was compared. Results The pattern and real-time sequence of enhancement in uterus and placenta were clearly depicted by CEUS. The time-to-peak enhancement was earlier in central portion than that in peripheral portion (12.30±6.33s vs 36.26±10.65 s, p = 0.005), and peak intensity of enhancement is much higher in central portion than that in peripheral portion (30.20±2.85 dB vs 20.95±6.25 dB, p = 0.000). The peak intensity of enhancement at day 15 (27.70±4.47 dB) was lower than that at day 17 (30.20±2.85 dB, p = 0.042) and at day 20 (31.85±4.41 dB, p = 0.015) of gestation. Significant correlation between average area densities of vascular compartment and the peak intensity of enhancement was identified in placenta at different gestation time (p<0.05). The average area densities of vascular compartment was higher in central portion than that in peripheral portion and has significant correlation with peak intensity of enhancement of the two potions (p<0.01). Conclusion CEUS is feasible to depict real-time sequence and quantitative parameters of perfusion in different portion of placenta at different gestational time in a rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jie Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Man-Li Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Li-Ping Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Southwest Hospital Affiliated to Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Aimot-Macron S, Salomon LJ, Deloison B, Thiam R, Cuenod CA, Clement O, Siauve N. In vivo MRI assessment of placental and foetal oxygenation changes in a rat model of growth restriction using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging. Eur Radiol 2013; 23:1335-42. [PMID: 23440313 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-012-2712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether changes in BOLD signal intensities following hyperoxygenation are related to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in a rat model. METHODS IUGR was induced in pregnant rats by ligating the left vascular uterine pedicle at day 16 of gestation. BOLD MR imaging using a balanced steady-state free-precession (balanced-SSFP) sequence on a 1.5-T system was performed on day 19. Signal intensities (SI) before and after maternal hyperoxygenation were compared in the maternal liver and in control and growth-restricted foetoplacental units (FPUs). RESULTS Maternal hyperoxygenation resulted in a significant increase in SI in all regions of interest (P < 0.05) in the 18 rats. In the control group, the SI (mean ± SD) increased by 21 % ± 15 in placentas (n = 74) and 13 % ± 8.5 in foetuses (n = 53). In the IUGR group, the increase was significantly lower: 6.5 % ± 4 in placentas (n = 36) and 7 %± 5.5 in foetuses (n = 34) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION BOLD MRI allows non-invasive assessment of the foetoplacental response to maternal hyperoxygenation in the rat and demonstrates its alteration in an IUGR model. This imaging method may provide a useful adjunct for the early diagnosis, evaluation, and management of human IUGR. KEY POINTS • Intra-uterine growth restriction is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. • Blood oxygen level-dependent MRI non-invasively assesses foetoplacental response to maternal hyperoxygenation. • In the rat, foetoplacental response to maternal hyperoxygenation is altered in IUGR. • Functional MRI may help to assess human IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aimot-Macron
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, 56 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.
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Raz T, Avni R, Addadi Y, Cohen Y, Jaffa AJ, Hemmings B, Garbow JR, Neeman M. The hemodynamic basis for positional- and inter-fetal dependent effects in dual arterial supply of mouse pregnancies. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52273. [PMID: 23284965 PMCID: PMC3527527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian pregnancy, maternal cardiovascular adaptations must match the requirements of the growing fetus(es), and respond to physiologic and pathologic conditions. Such adaptations are particularly demanding for mammals bearing large-litter pregnancies, with their inherent conflict between the interests of each individual fetus and the welfare of the entire progeny. The mouse is the most common animal model used to study development and genetics, as well as pregnancy-related diseases. Previous studies suggested that in mice, maternal blood flow to the placentas occurs via a single arterial uterine loop generated by arterial-arterial anastomosis of the uterine artery to the uterine branch of the ovarian artery, resulting in counter bi-directional blood flow. However, we provide here experimental evidence that each placenta is actually supplied by two distinct arterial inputs stemming from the uterine artery and from the uterine branch of the ovarian artery, with position-dependent contribution of flow from each source. Moreover, we report significant positional- and inter-fetal dependent alteration of placental perfusion, which were detected by in vivo MRI and fluorescence imaging. Maternal blood flow to the placentas was dependent on litter size and was attenuated for placentas located centrally along the uterine horn. Distinctive apposing, inter-fetal hemodynamic effects of either reduced or elevated maternal blood flow, were measured for placenta of normal fetuses that are positioned adjacent to either pathological, or to hypovascular Akt1-deficient placentas, respectively. The results reported here underscore the critical importance of confounding local and systemic in utero effects on phenotype presentation, in general and in the setting of genetically modified mice. The unique robustness and plasticity of the uterine vasculature architecture, as reported in this study, can explain the ability to accommodate varying litter sizes, sustain large-litter pregnancies and overcome pathologic challenges. Remarkably, the dual arterial supply is evolutionary conserved in mammals bearing a single offspring, including primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Raz
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Reut Avni
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoseph Addadi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoni Cohen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ariel J. Jaffa
- Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Brian Hemmings
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joel R. Garbow
- Biomedical MR Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michal Neeman
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Placental vascularity and resorption delay after conservative management of invasive placenta: MR imaging evaluation. Eur Radiol 2012; 23:262-71. [PMID: 22760345 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-012-2573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the potential of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating placental vascularity and predicting placental resorption delay after conservative management of invasive placenta. METHODS MR examinations of 23 women with conservative management of invasive placenta were reviewed. Twelve women had pelvic embolisation because of postpartum haemorrhage (Group 1) and 11 had no embolisation (Group 2). Comparisons between the two groups were made with respect to the delay for complete placental resorption at follow-up MR imaging and degree of placental vascularity 24 h after delivery on early (30s) and late (180 s) phase of dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced MR imaging. RESULTS The median delay for complete placental resorption in the cohort study was 21.1 weeks (range, 1-111 weeks). In Group 1, the median delay for complete placental resorption was shorter than in Group 2 (17 vs 32 weeks) (P = 0.036). Decreased placental vascularity on the early phase was observed in Group 1 by comparison with Group 2 (P = 0.003). Significant correlation was found between the degree of vascularity on early phase of dynamic MR imaging and the delay for complete placental resorption (r = 0.693; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS MR imaging provides useful information after conservative management of invasive placenta and may help predict delay for complete placental resorption.
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Deloison B, Siauve N, Aimot S, Balvay D, Thiam R, Cuenod CA, Ville Y, Clement O, Salomon LJ. SPIO-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging study of placental perfusion in a rat model of intrauterine growth restriction. BJOG 2012; 119:626-33. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.03251.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Victoria T, Johnson AM, Kramer SS, Coleman B, Bebbington M, Epelman M. Extrafetal findings at fetal MR: evaluation of the normal placenta and correlation with ultrasound. Clin Imaging 2011; 35:371-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2010.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Plaks V, Sapoznik S, Berkovitz E, Haffner-Krausz R, Dekel N, Harmelin A, Neeman M. Functional phenotyping of the maternal albumin turnover in the mouse placenta by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Mol Imaging Biol 2011; 13:481-492. [PMID: 20686857 PMCID: PMC3087877 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-010-0390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for functional phenotyping of the maternal circulation in the mouse placenta. Procedures In utero macromolecular dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was performed on embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5), E13.5, and E18.5. Fluorescence analysis was also used for validation of the results. Results The initial rate of contrast enhancement revealed an increased maternal blood volume fraction as the pregnancy progressed. Serial imaging of E10.5 and E13.5 placentas revealed a loss of contrast enhancement due to phagocytic uptake. A key application of macromolecular DCE-MRI would be to follow mouse pregnancies during fetal and placental manipulation including embryo transfer, tetraploid complementation, and fetal resorptions. We were able to resolve strain differences in ICR outbred mice carrying both ICR and C57Bl/6J embryos and to differentiate in utero resorptions from functional placentas. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of the functional in utero analysis of placental vascularization in physiological phenotyping of transgenic mice and suggest MRI, particularly macromolecular DCE-MRI, as a non-invasive tool for the analysis of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Stav Sapoznik
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Elina Berkovitz
- Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | | | - Nava Dekel
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Alon Harmelin
- Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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Messerschmidt A, Baschat A, Linduska N, Kasprian G, Brugger PC, Bauer A, Weber M, Prayer D. Magnetic resonance imaging of the placenta identifies placental vascular abnormalities independently of Doppler ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 37:717-722. [PMID: 21105016 DOI: 10.1002/uog.8891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between placental vascular pathology detected by prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perinatal outcome. METHODS This was a retrospective, hospital-based, cross-sectional study in which all fetal MRI examinations of singleton pregnancies with vascular placental pathology (i.e. infarction with/without hemorrhage, subchorionic thrombi/hemorrhages, intervillous thrombi/hemorrhages, or retroplacental hematoma) in the period 2002-2007 were included. The extent of the pathology was expressed as a percentage of the total placental volume. Abnormalities of umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound examinations within 7 days between MRI and ultrasound examination were noted. Death in utero or postnatally was the primary outcome. Gestational age at MRI and at birth and the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were noted. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of gestational age at MRI, extent of the vascular lesion and presence of pathological Doppler ultrasound measurements on the prediction of mortality. RESULTS Fifty-nine structurally normal singleton pregnancies with placental vascular abnormalities were included in the analysis. Mortality rate was 36%; among the survivors, 87% were born before 37 + 0 gestational weeks and 50% suffered from IUGR. In 55% of the pregnancies pathological umbilical artery Doppler findings were identified, of which 27% were non-survivors. Mortality was predicted by earlier gestational age at fetal MRI for placental pathology (P < 0.05) and increasing extent of the vascular lesion (P < 0.05), but not by the presence of pathological Doppler ultrasound data. Accuracy of the prediction was 82%, sensitivity was 67% and specificity 89%. CONCLUSION MRI-detected vascular placental pathologies may help to identify pregnancies at risk for adverse outcome and fetal death independently of umbilical artery Doppler status.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Messerschmidt
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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36
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Chalouhi GE, Deloison B, Siauve N, Aimot S, Balvay D, Cuenod CA, Ville Y, Clément O, Salomon LJ. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: definitive imaging of placental function? Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 16:22-8. [PMID: 20851065 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The placenta constitutes a complex circulatory interface between the mother and fetus, but the relationship between the maternal and fetal circulation is still very difficult to study in vivo. There is growing evidence that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful and safe during pregnancy, and MRI is increasingly used for fetal and placental anatomical imaging. MRI functional imaging is now a modern obstetric tool and has the potential to provide new insights into the physiology of the human placenta. Placental perfusion has been studied during the first pass of an MR contrast agent, by arterial spin labeling, diffusion imaging, T1 and T2 relaxation time measurement using echo-planar imaging, and by a combination of magnetization transfer with established stereological methods. The BOLD (blood oxygen level-dependent) effect offers new perspectives for functional MRI evaluation of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Chalouhi
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Imagerie (LRI), INSERM U970, Equipe N°2, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, 56 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
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Mühler MR, Clément O, Salomon LJ, Balvay D, Autret G, Vayssettes C, Cuénod CA, Siauve N. Maternofetal pharmacokinetics of a gadolinium chelate contrast agent in mice. Radiology 2010; 258:455-60. [PMID: 21045181 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.10100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the maternofetal pharmacokinetics of gadoterate meglumine in mice during the first 48 hours following maternal intravenous injection of a high dose of 0.5 mmol of gadolinium per kilogram. MATERIALS AND METHODS All the studies complied with French law and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of the National Institutes of Health. Balb/C mice (n = 23) at 16 days of gestation were examined for 48 hours after maternal intravenous administration of 0.5 mmol gadolinium per kilogram of gadoterate meglumine. Gadolinium concentration in the placentas, fetuses, and amniotic fluid was determined by using mass spectrometry, and the total placental and fetal gadolinium content was calculated. Gadoterate meglumine half-life in the different compartments was estimated with one- and two-compartment models. Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare the pharmacokinetic profiles. RESULTS Gadoterate meglumine passed the placental barrier, entering the fetuses and amniotic fluid before being redistributed back to the mother. The placental gadolinium concentration showed two-compartmental decay, with a first half-life of distribution of 47 minutes and a second half-life of elimination of 107 hours. The half-lives in the fetuses and amniotic fluid were, respectively, 4 and 5 hours and followed a monocompartmental model after the initial peak. The maximal gadolinium fetal concentration (31.8 nmol/g) was observed 30 minutes after injection, which corresponded to a total fetal content of 0.077% of the injected dose. CONCLUSION In mice, gadoterate meglumine, an extracellular nonspecific gadolinium chelate contrast medium, passed the placenta before being redistributed back to the mother, resulting in undetectable fetal concentrations after 48 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias R Mühler
- INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center-PARCC, Paris, France.
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Girard S, Tremblay L, Lepage M, Sébire G. IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Protects against Placental and Neurodevelopmental Defects Induced by Maternal Inflammation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:3997-4005. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0903349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Tomlinson TM, Garbow JR, Anderson JR, Engelbach JA, Nelson DM, Sadovsky Y. Magnetic resonance imaging of hypoxic injury to the murine placenta. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 298:R312-9. [PMID: 19923363 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00425.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define placental hypoxic injury associated with fetal growth restriction. On embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5) we utilized dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI on a 4.7-tesla small animal scanner to examine the uptake and distribution of gadolinium-based contrast agent. Quantitative DCE parameter analysis was performed for the placenta and fetal kidneys of three groups of pregnant C57BL/6 mice: 1) mice that were exposed to Fi(O(2)) = 12% between E15.5 and E18.5, 2) mice in normoxia with food restriction similar to the intake of hypoxic mice between E15.5 and E18.5, and 3) mice in normoxia that were fed ad libitum. After imaging, we assessed fetoplacental weight, placental histology, and gene expression. We found that dams exposed to hypoxia exhibited fetal growth restriction (weight reduction by 28% and 14%, respectively, P < 0.05) with an increased placental-to-fetal ratio. By using MRI-based assessment of placental contrast agent kinetics, referenced to maternal paraspinous muscle, we found decreased placental clearance of contrast media in hypoxic mice, compared with either control group (61%, P < 0.05). This was accompanied by diminished contrast accumulation in the hypoxic fetal kidneys (23%, P < 0.05), reflecting reduced transplacental gadolinium transport. These changes were associated with increased expression of placental Phlda2 and Gcm1 transcripts. Exposure to hypoxia near the end of mouse pregnancy reduces placental perfusion and clearance of contrast. MRI-based DCE imaging provides a novel tool for dynamic, in vivo assessment of placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M Tomlinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Abstract
Fetal MRI is becoming an increasingly powerful imaging tool for studying brain development in vivo. Until recently, the application of advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques was limited by motion in the nonsedated fetus. Extensive research efforts currently underway are focusing on the development of dedicated magnetic resonance imaging sequences and sophisticated postprocessing techniques that are revolutionizing our ability to study the healthy and compromised fetus. The ongoing refinement of these magnetic resonance imaging techniques will undoubtedly lead to the development of cornerstone biomarkers that will provide healthcare caregivers with vital, and currently lacking, information upon which to counsel parents effectively, and base rational decisions regarding the timing and type of novel medical and surgical interventions currently on the horizon.
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Salomon LJ, Garel C. Magnetic resonance imaging examination of the fetal brain. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2007; 30:1019-1032. [PMID: 17994613 DOI: 10.1002/uog.5176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L J Salomon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHI Poissy, Poissy, France
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42
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Mühler MR, Hartmann C, Werner W, Meyer O, Bollmann R, Klingebiel R. Fetal MRI demonstrates glioependymal cyst in a case of sonographic unilateral ventriculomegaly. Pediatr Radiol 2007; 37:391-5. [PMID: 17287953 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-007-0419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2006] [Revised: 01/10/2007] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We report a fetus of 28 weeks' gestation in which ultrasonography demonstrated unilateral ventriculomegaly and microcephaly. Fetal MRI demonstrated a simple, left paramedian occipital cyst with rarefaction of the corpus callosum and thinning of the adjacent cortical mantle. Ischaemia was suggested as the underlying pathogenesis, but autopsy after termination of pregnancy revealed a glioependymal cyst. This case highlights consideration of the rare diagnosis of glioependymal cyst when a cystic lesion associated with cerebral malformations, particularly dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, is demonstrated and fetal MRI suggests an ischaemic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias R Mühler
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universtitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Abramowicz JS, Sheiner E. In utero imaging of the placenta: importance for diseases of pregnancy. Placenta 2007; 28 Suppl A:S14-22. [PMID: 17383721 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2006] [Revised: 02/08/2007] [Accepted: 02/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Maurice Panigel demonstrated by X-rays, almost 40 years ago, placental maternal blood jets in non-human primates. Although to researchers the importance of the placenta is evident, in clinical obstetrical imaging, the fetus takes precedence. The placenta is imaged almost as an after thought and mostly to determine its location in the uterus. In animal species, the placenta was imaged with techniques which would be considered too invasive (or too costly for routine use) in humans, many pioneered by Panigel: radioangiography, radioisotopes scintigraphy, thermography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy, positive emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Ultrasound allows for detailed, and, as far as is known, safe analyses of not only placental structure in the human but also its function. Earlier, only 2-dimensional grey-scale was available and more than 20 years ago, placental grading was popular. Later, colour imaging and spectral Doppler analysis of blood velocity both in the umbilical artery and within the placenta as well as the uterus and fetal vessels became essential and, more recently, the use of ultrasound contrast agents has been described, albeit not yet in a clinical setting. Three-dimensional ultrasound permits evaluation of the placenta in several planes, more precise depiction of internal vasculature as well as more accurate volume assessment. Several medical disorders of the pregnant woman or her fetus begin or end in the placenta, and ultrasound is the optimal investigation method. Obvious examples include pre-eclampsia and other forms of hypertension in pregnancy, less than optimal fetal growth (i.e. intrauterine growth restriction), triploidy (and its placental manifestation: partial mole), non-immune hydrops as well as several infectious processes. Ultrasound is also particularly suited to evaluate specific placental conditions, such as abnormal placentation (placenta previa and accrete for instance), gestational trophoblastic disease and placental tumors (e.g. chorioangioma).
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Abramowicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University, 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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44
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Abstract
Taillieu et al have shown that it is possible to noninvasively measure the placental blood flow, fractional volume of the maternal vascular placental compartment, and rate of transfer of contrast material between the maternal and fetal circulation in gravid mice through the use of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Clearly, much work lies ahead before functional evaluation of the placenta becomes a clinical reality, but contrast-enhanced imaging shows promise for functional evaluation of placental disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Yeh
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, 521 Parnassus Ave, Rm C-324C, Box 0628, San Francisco, CA 94143-0628, USA.
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Taillieu F, Salomon LJ, Siauve N, Clément O, Faye N, Balvay D, Vayssettes C, Frija G, Ville Y, Cuenod CA. Placental Perfusion and Permeability: Simultaneous Assessment with Dual-Echo Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging in Mice. Radiology 2006; 241:737-45. [PMID: 17065560 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2413051168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess placental perfusion and permeability in mice with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted according to French law and National Institutes of Health recommendations for animal care. Twenty-two pregnant BALB/c mice were examined at 1.5 T with a single-section dual-echo fast spoiled gradient-echo sequence. Two injection protocols were used: monophasic injection (double the clinical dose of contrast agent) and biphasic injection (quadruple the clinical dose). Signal intensities (SIs) were measured in the maternal left ventricle, placenta, and fetus (n = 16). At these high gadolinium doses, a T2* effect correction was used. SIs were converted to gadolinium concentrations and were analyzed by using a three-compartment model. Quantitative microcirculation parameters were calculated. Results with the monophasic and biphasic protocols were compared, and final arterial concentrations determined with MR imaging were compared with those determined with atomic emission spectrophotometry by using the unpaired Student t test. RESULTS Perfusion and permeability parameters for monophasic and biphasic injections were similar: Mean placental blood flow was 180 mL/min/100 g, mean permeability surface coefficient from maternal placental to fetal placental compartment was 10.3 x 10(-4) sec(-1) +/- 6.81 (standard deviation), mean permeability surface coefficient from fetal placental to maternal placental compartment was 4.65 x 10(-4) sec(-1) +/- 4.37, and mean fractional volume of the maternal vascular placental compartment was 36.5% +/- 0.9. Placental (146 vs 105 micromol/L, P < .004) and fetal (33.3 vs 19.1 micromol/L, P < .001) gadolinium concentrations were higher with the biphasic than with the monophasic protocol. Arterial gadolinium concentrations at MR imaging did not differ significantly from those at spectrophotometry for the monophasic (P = .254) or biphasic (P = .776) injection protocol. CONCLUSION Placental perfusion and permeability can be measured in vivo by using high gadolinium doses and a dual-echo MR imaging sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Taillieu
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine, INSERM U494, Laboratory of Research in Imaging, site Necker, 156 rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France.
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Plaks V, Kalchenko V, Dekel N, Neeman M. MRI analysis of angiogenesis during mouse embryo implantation. Magn Reson Med 2006; 55:1013-22. [PMID: 16598729 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.20881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Uterine receptivity and embryo implantation depend on local induction of angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Poor uterine receptivity has been implicated in implantation failure; however, relatively little is known about the mechanism that underlies endometrial vascular hyperpermeability in implantation sites. Here we show that contrast-enhanced (CE)-MRI and fluorescence microscopy using biotin-BSA-GdDTPA allowed high-resolution detection and quantitative assessment of mouse embryo implantation sites as early as embryonic day 4.5 (E4.5), and subsequent vascular expansion at E5.5. Vessel permeability, but not blood volume, was significantly elevated in E4.5 implantation sites relative to nonimplanted uterus, showing that elevation of vascular permeability is a very early response preceding E4.5. A significantly increased blood volume was detected by MRI and fluorescence microscopy in implantation sites between E4.5 and E5.5. On the other hand, despite the increase in blood volume, implantation sites showed only a small nonsignificant further increase in vascular permeability during these 2 days, demonstrating the rapid dynamics of vascular remodeling during the early days of pregnancy. Functional imaging by MRI, as reported here, allows multiparametric measurement of angiogenesis during normal mouse implantation and would facilitate the application of MRI to evaluate involvement of the vasculature in mouse models of impaired implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Salomon LJ, Siauve N, Taillieu F, Balvay D, Vayssettes C, Frija G, Ville Y, Cuénod CA, Clément O. In Vivo Dynamic MRI Measurement of the Noradrenaline-induced Reduction in Placental Blood Flow in Mice. Placenta 2006; 27:1007-13. [PMID: 16316684 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2005.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2005] [Revised: 10/04/2005] [Accepted: 10/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed a new model for in vivo placental perfusion measurements based on dynamic MRI in mice. As noradrenaline has been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, we examined whether it reduced placental perfusion in mice, and whether such a reduction could be detected with our MRI model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice at 16 days of gestation were injected intramuscularly with saline or noradrenaline solution. A conventional gadolinium chelate was then injected IV, and a single-slice T1-weighed 2D Fast SPGR sequence was acquired for 200 s. Signal intensity was measured on all the images and converted into contrast agent tissue concentrations in the maternal left ventricle (input function) and placentas. A one-compartment model was developed using compartmental and numerical modeling software. Mean blood flow (F) was calculated from a transfer constant. RESULTS Twenty-six mice were studied, yielding a total of 55 MRI measurements of placental perfusion (29 in the control group and 26 in the noradrenaline group). Mean placental blood flow (F) was significantly lower in the noradrenaline group (0.72+/-0.84 ml/min/g of placenta) than in the control group (1.26+/-0.54 ml/min/g of placenta). CONCLUSION Noradrenaline reduces placental perfusion in mice. Our MRI dynamic model might be useful for detecting and investigating abnormal placental blood flow, thereby avoiding the need for invasive procedures and animal sacrifice.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Salomon
- Faculté de Médecine, Laboratoire de Recherche en Imagerie, Faculté de médecine Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
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Cuenod C, Taillieu F, Salomon L, Siauve N, Clément O, Balvay D, Vayssettes C, Ville Y. CMR 2005: 7.07: Simultaneous placental perfusion and permeability assessment by dual echo contrast-enhanced MRI in mice. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/cmmi.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Le Monnier A, Join-Lambert OF, Jaubert F, Berche P, Kayal S. Invasion of the placenta during murine listeriosis. Infect Immun 2006; 74:663-72. [PMID: 16369023 PMCID: PMC1346646 DOI: 10.1128/iai.74.1.663-672.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2005] [Revised: 09/01/2005] [Accepted: 10/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Feto-placental infections due to Listeria monocytogenes represent a major threat during pregnancy, and the underlying mechanisms of placental invasion remain poorly understood. Here we used a murine model of listeriosis (pregnant mice, infected at day 14 of gestation) to investigate how this pathogen invades and grows within the placenta to ultimately infect the fetus. When L. monocytogenes is injected intravenously, the invasion of the placenta occurs early after the initial bacteremia, allowing the placental growth of the bacteria, which is an absolute requirement for vertical transmission to the fetus. Kinetically, bacteria first target the cells lining the central arterial canal of the placenta, which stain positively with cytokeratin, demonstrating their fetal trophoblast origin. Bacteria then disseminate rapidly to the other trophoblastic structures, like syncytiotrophoblast cells lining the villous core in the labyrinthine zone of placenta. Additionally, we found that an inflammatory reaction predominantly constituted of polymorphonuclear cells occurs in the villous placenta and participates in the control of infection. Altogether, our results suggest that the infection of murine placenta is dependent, at the early phase, on circulating bacteria and their interaction with endovascular trophoblastic cells. Subsequently, the bacteria spread to the other trophoblastic cells before crossing the placental barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Le Monnier
- INSERM U-570, Faculté de Médecine 156 rue de Vaugirard, 75730 Paris Cedex 15, France
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