Monitoring Physiological Changes in Neutron-Exposed Normal Mouse Brain Using FDG-PET and DW-MRI

Radiat Res. 2020 Jan;193(1):54-62. doi: 10.1667/RR15405.1. Epub 2019 Nov 4.

Abstract

We monitored a physiological response in a neutron-exposed normal mouse brain using two imaging tools, [18F]fluro-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) and diffusion weighted-magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), as an imaging biomarker. We measured the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of DW-MRI and standardized uptake value (SUV) of [18F]FDG-PET, which indicated changes in the cellular environment for neutron irradiation. This approach was sensitive enough to detect cell changes that were not confirmed in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) results. Glucose transporters (GLUT) 1 and 3, indicators of the GLUT capacity of the brain, were significantly decreased after neutron irradiation, demonstrating that the change in blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability affects the GLUT, with changes in both SUV and ADC values. These results demonstrate that combined imaging of the same object can be used as a quantitative indicator for in vivo pathological changes. In particular, the radiation exposure assessment of combined imaging, with specific integrated functions of [18F]FDG-PET and MRI, can be employed repeatedly for noninvasive analysis performed in clinical practice. Additionally, this study demonstrated a novel approach to assess the extent of damage to normal tissues as well as therapeutic effects on tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain / radiation effects*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Neutrons / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Radiation Exposure / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18