title: Use of Gd-DTPA and fast gradient-echo and spin-echo MR imaging to demonstrate renal function in the rabbit.
abstract: The paramagnetic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) is freely filtered at the glomerulus and is neither secreted nor reabsorbed by the renal tubules. Fast MR imaging techniques, either gradient-echo or spin-echo, can be used to document the passage of Gd-DTPA through the renal tubules, as reflected by alteration in the MR signal intensity within the different anatomic regions of the kidney. Gradient-echo (repetition time of 35 msec, echo time of 7 msec, flip angles of 10 degrees-100 degrees) and spin-echo (repetition time of 35 msec, echo time of 8 msec) pulse sequences were used to acquire 20 consecutive images, one every 12 seconds, of the rabbit kidney. Both pulse sequences depicted the time course of Gd-DTPA distribution through the kidney but with distinctly different patterns of MR signal change. These dynamic MR images provide an MR nephrogram that directly demonstrates renal morphology and indirectly reflects the functional status of the renal vasculature, renal perfusion, and tubular concentrating ability.
authors.affiliation: Pendergrass Diagnostic Radiology Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Carvlin
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Arger
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Kundel
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Axel
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dougherty
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Kassab
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA