Visualization of Unconjugated Bilirubin In Vivo with a Novel Approach Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Rat Model.

ABSTRACT: Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) visualization is valuable for early bilirubin encephalopathy (BE) diagnosis and management. UCB neurotoxicity is a challenge, necessitating improved imaging modalities for precise localization and characterization. This study developed a noninvasive method for UCB imaging in the brain using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging, which visualizes UCB distribution through amide-bulk water proton exchange, a process termed bilirubin CEST (Bil-CEST) imaging. Bil-CEST imaging parameters were initially optimized; the exchange rate of the amide protons of UCB was calculated. Bil-CEST imaging characteristics and specificity were assessed using in vitro images of UCB solutions under different conditions and images of other brain metabol

SUBMITTER: Yang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11661682 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature