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Evaluation of micro-CT for emphysema assessment in mice: comparison with non-radiological techniques

  • Computed Tomography
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Abstract

Objectives

To define the potential, limitations and synergies of micro-CT and other non-radiological techniques for the quantification of emphysema and related processes in mice, by performing a complete characterization of the elastase-induced emphysema model.

Materials and methods

Ninety A/J mice (45 treated and 45 controls) were studied at different time points using breath-hold gated micro-CT, functional test parameters, RT-PCR for RNA cytokine expression, Luminex technology for cytokine plasma concentration and histomorphometry.

Results

Both histomorphometry and micro-CT imaging reflect rapid initial emphysema progression followed by steady-state development at decreasing rates. Cytokine measurements reveal an acute inflammatory response within the first 24 h that disappears after the first week. Limited systemic effect was observed based on plasma cytokine concentration. Lung compliance decreases during the acute inflammation phase and increases afterwards.

Conclusion

Histomorphometry is the most sensitive technique since it detects airspace enlargement before the other methods (1 h after treatment). Micro-CT correlates well with histology (r2 = 0.63) proving appropriate for longitudinal studies. Functional test parameters do not necessarily correlate with the extent of emphysema, as they can be influenced by acute inflammation. Finally, cytokine measurements correlate with the presence of inflammation in histology but not with emphysema.

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Abbreviations

C:

Compliance

COPD:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

DAF:

Damaged area fraction

micro-CT:

Micro-computed X-ray tomography

MLVI:

Mean lung volume intensity

R:

Resistance

TLC:

Total lung capacity

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Imaging Laboratory, Oncology Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, 55 Pio XII, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Xabier Artaechevarria, Mario Ceresa, Daniel Pérez-Martín, Carlos Ortiz-de-Solorzano & Arrate Munoz-Barrutia

  2. Biomarkers Laboratory, Oncology Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, 55 Pio XII, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    David Blanco, Gabriel de Biurrun & Luis M. Montuenga

  3. Radiology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, 36 Pio XII, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Gorka Bastarrika

  4. Pneumology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, 36 Pio XII, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Juan P. de Torres & Javier J. Zulueta

Authors
  1. Xabier Artaechevarria
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  2. David Blanco
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  3. Gabriel de Biurrun
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  4. Mario Ceresa
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  5. Daniel Pérez-Martín
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  6. Gorka Bastarrika
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  7. Juan P. de Torres
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  8. Javier J. Zulueta
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  9. Luis M. Montuenga
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  10. Carlos Ortiz-de-Solorzano
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  11. Arrate Munoz-Barrutia
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Correspondence to Xabier Artaechevarria.

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Artaechevarria, X., Blanco, D., de Biurrun, G. et al. Evaluation of micro-CT for emphysema assessment in mice: comparison with non-radiological techniques. Eur Radiol 21, 954–962 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1982-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1982-5

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