Abstract
It is not known whether administration of contrast agent via retro-orbital injection or the tail vein route affects the efficiency of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, we compared the effects of retro-orbital and tail vein injection on the kinetics of the contrast agent used for MRI in mice. The same group of nine healthy female mice received contrast agent via either route. An extracellular contrast agent was infused via the tail vein and retro-orbital vein, in random order. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was performed before and after administering the contrast agent. The contrast effects in the liver, kidney, lung, and myocardium were assessed. The average total times of venous puncture and mounting of the injection system were about 10 and 4 min for the tail vein and retro-orbital route, respectively. For all organs assessed, the maximum contrast ratio occurred 30 s after administration and the time course of the contrast ratio was similar with either routes. For each organ, the contrast ratios correlated strongly; the contrast ratios were similar. The retro-orbital and tail vein routes afforded similar results in terms of the kinetics of the contrast agent. The retro-orbital route can be used as a simple efficient alternative to tail vein injection for dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of mice.
Highlights
As animal models are used extensively in biomedical research, small animal imaging has become increasingly important
The average times taken for venous puncture and mounting of the injection system were about 10 and 4 min for the tail vein and retro-orbital routes, respectively
A small drop of blood at injection site was observed for retro-orbital injection and repeated attempts were required due to unsuccessful tail vein injection
Summary
As animal models are used extensively in biomedical research, small animal imaging has become increasingly important. Affording high spatial resolution and excellent soft tissue contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been applied widely to investigate small animals in vivo. As a non-invasive, reproducible technique, MRI is valuable for assessing the longitudinal kinetics of a contrast agent, revealing time-dependent intensity changes within a single animal. Magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents can vastly improve image quality, and have made a significant impact on the utility of MRI. In the time since the introduction of contrast agents, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0129326. In the time since the introduction of contrast agents, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0129326 June 10, 2015
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
