Noninvasive imaging of renal urea handling by CEST-MRI.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Renal function is characterized by concentration of urea for removal in urine. We tested urea as a CEST-MRI contrast agent for measurement of the concentrating capacity of distinct renal anatomical regions.

Methods

The CEST contrast of urea was examined using phantoms with different concentrations and pH levels. Ten C57BL/6J mice were scanned twice at 7 T, once following intraperitoneal injection of 2M 150 µL urea and separately following an identical volume of saline. Kidneys were segmented into regions encompassing the cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla and papilla to monitor spatially varying urea concentration. Z-spectra were acquired before and 20 minutes after injection, with dynamic scanning of urea handling performed in between via serial acquisition of

SUBMITTER: Shin SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6879789 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature