Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MS-325) in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether inflammatory activity can be evaluated by MRI with an intravascular compound (MS-325) in Desoxyribonuclease I (Dnase1)-deficient mice, which show classical symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.


METHODS
Dnase1-deficient and normal mice (both groups n = 10) underwent MRI with a body weight adapted dose of MS-325 on a 1.5 T whole body scanner equipped with a dedicated surface coil. MR images of the kidneys and the aorta and signal to noise ratios prior and post contrast administration were compared with histopathology in all animals.


RESULTS
Dnase1-knockout mice demonstrated aortic-wall enhancement and inhomogeneous-renal enhancement with significantly higher SNR values corresponding to microscopically proved inflammatory changes (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
MS-325-enhanced MRI appears to be a sensitive tool for the detection of renal and vascular involvement in this animal model. In addition, this method may facilitate assessment of therapeutic approaches in patients with SLE in the future.
Department of Diagnostic and International Radiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. christoph.herborn@uniessen.de
Christoph U
CU
Herborn
Ralph
R
Waldschuetz
Thomas C
TC
Lauenstein
Mathias
M
Goyen
Randall B
RB
Lauffer
Tarik
T
Moeroey
Jorg F
JF
Debatin
Stefan G
SG
Ruehm
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I / Q000172:deficiency; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009942:Organometallic Compounds
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D005682:Gadolinium; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I; C109932:gadofosveset trisodium