Application of Benchtop-magnetic resonance imaging in a nude mouse tumor model
2011

Using Benchtop MRI to Study Tumors in Mice

Sample size: 6 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Caysa Henrike, Metz Hendrik, Mäder Karsten, Mueller Thomas

Primary Institution: Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg

Hypothesis

Can Benchtop-MRI provide sufficient image quality for monitoring tumor progression in mouse models?

Conclusion

Benchtop-MRI provides satisfactory image quality to visualize organs and tumors and to monitor tumor progression in mouse models.

Supporting Evidence

  • Subcutaneous xenografts were easily identified as relative hypointense areas in NMR images.
  • Monitoring of tumor progression evaluated by pixel extension analyses correlated with increasing tumor volume calculated by calliper measurement.
  • Gd-BOPTA contrast agent injection improved differentiation between urinary tissues and organs.

Takeaway

Researchers used a new type of MRI to see tumors in mice, and it worked well enough to help them understand how the tumors grow.

Methodology

A prototype BT-MRI system was used to visualize organs and tumors in nude mouse xenograft models, with tumor progression analyzed through NMR images and calliper measurements.

Limitations

The study is limited by the low field strength and decreased magnet homogeneity of the BT-MRI system.

Participant Demographics

Eight week old male athymic-nude Foxn1 nu/nu mice were used.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-9966-30-69

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