New setup for multi‐parametric MRI in young and old rat gastrocnemius at 4.7 and 7 T during muscle stimulation. (29th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Loubrie, Stéphane; Trotier, Aurelien; Ribot, Emeline; Massot, Philippe; Lefrançois, William; Thiaudière, Eric; Dallaudière, Benjamin; Miraux, Sylvain; Bourdel‐Marchasson, Isabelle
• Is Part Of: NMR in biomedicine. Volume 35:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-29
• Subjects: experimental setup -- gastrocnemius -- multi‐parametric MRI -- muscle stimulation -- rat; Nuclear magnetic resonance -- Periodicals; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy -- Periodicals; 574
• DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4620
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3480

Abstract

Abstract : T 1 and T 2 relaxation times combined with 31 P spectroscopy have been proven efficient for muscular disease characterization as well as for pre‐ and post‐muscle stimulation measurements. Even though 31 P spectroscopy can already be performed during muscle exercise, no method for T 1 and T 2 measurement enables this possibility. In this project, a complete setup and protocol for multi‐parametrical MRI of the rat gastrocnemius before, during and after muscle stimulation at 4.7 and 7 T is presented. The setup is fully MRI compatible and is composed of a cradle, an electro‐stimulator and an electronic card in order to synchronize MRI sequences with muscle stimulation. A 2D triggered radial‐encoded Look‐Locker sequence was developed, and enabled T 1 measurements in less than 2 min on stimulated muscle. Also, a multi‐slice multi‐echo sequence was adapted and synchronized for T 2 measurements as well as 31 P spectroscopy acquisitions in less than 4 min in both cases on stimulated muscle. Methods were validated on young rats using different stimulation paradigms. Then they were applied on older rats to compare quantification results, using the different stimulation paradigms, and allowed observation of metabolic changes related to aging with good reproducibility. The robustness of the whole setup shows wide application opportunities. Abstract : The rat is placed in supine position, its foot attached to a pedal, with the gastrocnemius above the receive coil, and is fully anesthetized during the experiment. T 1, T 2 and 31 P MRS measurements can then be performed prior to, during and after muscle stimulation with good reproducibility. The setup can easily be modified to fit on any Bruker MRI instrument and offers a wide range of application opportunities for muscular studies.