title: High-resolution computed tomography of the normal rat nephrogram.
abstract: This study describes a unique, film-recorded computed tomography (CT) system and its use in studying contrast flow between anatomic compartments of the rat kidney. The CT apparatus, composed of a microfocal spot tube, rotating animal carrier, film-cassette translator, and control electronics, was used to expose "sinograms" of 3:1 magnification through the kidneys of normal rats prior to and 2, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after intravenous contrast injection. Microdensitometry and computer reconstruction resulted in CT images representing 1-mm thick coronal sections with lateral resolution of 150 micron. With this novel technique of ultrahigh-resolution CT, temporal alterations in absorption coefficient of cortical and medullary nephrographic components were depicted for contrast flow study in our small animal model.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D051381:Rats; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media