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Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine

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Open Access 01-04-2020 | Research Article

An MRI study of solute transport in the intervertebral disc

Authors: Rachel M. Palfrey, Ian R. Summers, C. Peter Winlove

Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine | Issue 2/2020

Abstract

Objective

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine partition coefficients and characteristic time constants for diffusion of MRI contrast agents in disc tissue.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two excised equine intervertebral discs were exposed to a range of contrast agents: six to manganese chloride, eight to Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine) and eight to Gadovist (gadobutrol), and uptake into the disc was quantified in T₁-weighted images.

Results

Diffusion for all contrast agents was approximately 25% faster in the nucleus than in the outer annulus; disc-average time constants ranged from (2.28 ± 0.23) × 10⁴ s for Gadovist (uncharged, molecular mass 605 g/mol) to (5.07 ± 0.75) × 10⁴ s for the manganese cation (charge + 2). Disc-average partition coefficients ranged from 0.77 ± 0.04 for the anion in Magnevist (charge − 2, molecular mass 548 g/mol) to 5.14 ± 0.43 for the manganese cation.

Conclusion

The MRI technique provides high-quality quantitative data which correspond well to theoretical predictions, allowing values for partition coefficient and time constant to be readily determined. These measurements provide information to underpin similar studies in vivo and may be used as a model for the transport of nutrients and pharmaceutical agents in the disc.

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Title: An MRI study of solute transport in the intervertebral disc
Authors: Rachel M. Palfrey
Ian R. Summers
C. Peter Winlove
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 0968-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1352-8661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-019-00781-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

An MRI study of solute transport in the intervertebral disc

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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