Korean J Radiol.  2015 Aug;16(4):791-797. 10.3348/kjr.2015.16.4.791.

Permeability Parameters Measured with Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI: Correlation with the Extravasation of Evans Blue in a Rat Model of Transient Cerebral Ischemia

• Choi HS
• Ahn SS
• Shin NY
• Kim J
• Kim JH
• Lee JE
• Lee HY
• Heo JH
• Lee SK

• KMID: 2155552
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2015.16.4.791

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to correlate permeability parameters measured with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) using a clinical 3-tesla scanner with extravasation of Evans blue in a rat model with transient cerebral ischemia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 13) with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion were imaged using a 3-tesla MRI with an 8-channel wrist coil. DCE-MRI was performed 12 hours, 18 hours, and 36 hours after reperfusion. Permeability parameters (K(trans), v(e), and v(p)) from DCE-MRI were calculated. Evans blue was injected after DCE-MRI and extravasation of Evans blue was correlated as a reference with the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Correlation analysis was performed between permeability parameters and the extravasation of Evans blue.
RESULTS
All permeability parameters (K(trans), v(e), and v(p)) showed a linear correlation with extravasation of Evans blue. Among them, K(trans) showed highest values of both the correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination (0.687 and 0.473 respectively, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Permeability parameters obtained by DCE-MRI at 3-T are well-correlated with Evans blue extravasation, and K(trans) shows the strongest correlation among the tested parameters.

Keyword

Brain ischemia; Animal models; Blood-brain barrier; Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI; Kinetic modeling

MeSH Terms

Animals
Blood-Brain Barrier/pathology
Capillary Permeability
Contrast Media
Disease Models, Animal
Evans Blue/analysis
Ischemic Attack, Transient/*diagnosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/instrumentation/*methods
Male
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Stroke/diagnosis
Contrast Media
Evans Blue

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Selection of arterial input function (AIF) for analysis of permeability parameters. A. Region of interest was set at region of left cervical internal carotid artery (green color). Venous flow is depicted in blue. B. Time-concentration of gadolinium curve showed rapid upslope and early peak of gadolinium concentration (GD), suggestive of appropriate selection of arterial flow.

• 

  Fig. 2 Analysis of optical density. A. Posterior surface of sliced specimen (Bregma-1.60) was prepared for analysis of extravasation of Evans blue. ROIs were placed in right cortex (B) and basal ganglia (C) for measurement of optical density.

• 

  Fig. 3 Extravasation of Evans blue and Ktrans map. Extravasation of Evans blue was displayed on left column and Ktrans map on right column in 12 hours after reperfusion (A), 18 hours after reperfusion (B), and 36 hours after reperfusion (C).

• 

  Fig. 4 Scatter plots and fitted linear correlation lines of optical density versus permeability parameters. Ktrans (A), ve (B), and vp (C).

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