Michael Breckwoldt1, Julia Bode2, Felix Kurz1, Angelika Hoffmann1, Martin Ott2, Katrin Deumelandt2, Gergely Solecki2, Sara Chiblak2, Amir Abdollahi2, Frank Winkler2, Michael Platten2, Sabine Heiland1, Martin Bendszus1, and Björn Tews2
Gliomas are malignant
brain tumors that depend on neoangiogenesis. Novel imaging methods are required
to assess vascularization status, treatment effects and disease progression. We
developed a combined MR and optical vascularization “tool kit” to study
neoangiogenesis in mouse glioma models. We use T2* post contrast imaging (iron
oxide nanoparticle or Gd-based) of vascular susceptibility signals and innovative
ultramicroscopy (UM) of cleared brains. T2* imaging identifies single arterioles
and venules in glioma development. Correlated UM of fluorescently labeled microvessels
shows typical features of pathological vessels (increased caliber, density and tortuousness). Thus, MR-UM facilitates
the preclinical search for more effective antiangiogenic agents.