Detection of Parameters Related to Lung Functions and Structures as Applied to Emphysema Model Mice with Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRS Observed Under Spontaneous Respiration

Hirohiko Imai^1,2, Shoko Masuda², Tsuyoshi Ito², Yuki Hori², Atsuomi Kimura², Hideaki Fujiwara²

Hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe MRS using a chemical shift saturation recovery (CSSR) method is applied to spontaneously breathing mice, and an attempt is made to detect physiological changes encountered in emphysema model mice. Volume ratio of alveolar tissue and gas space obtained from the method was significantly smaller for the emphysema model group than that for the control group reflecting the loss of alveolar tissues caused by emphysema. Namely, the ratio is shown to be an effective biomarker for emphysema, which will be useful for drug research and development using small rodents through non-invasive detection of the pathological changes.