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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Original Article

Unraveling the contributions to the neuromelanin-MRI contrast

Authors: Nikos Priovoulos, Stan C. J. van Boxel, Heidi I. L. Jacobs, Benedikt A. Poser, Kamil Uludag, Frans R. J. Verhey, Dimo Ivanov

Published in: Brain Structure and Function | Issue 9/2020

Abstract

The Locus Coeruleus (LC) and the Substantia Nigra (SN) are small brainstem nuclei that change with aging and may be involved in the development of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Magnetization Transfer (MT) MRI has been shown to facilitate LC and the SN visualization, and the observed contrast is assumed to be related to neuromelanin accumulation. Imaging these nuclei may have predictive value for the progression of various diseases, but interpretation of previous studies is hindered by the fact that the precise biological source of the contrast remains unclear, though several hypotheses have been put forward. To inform clinical studies on the possible biological interpretation of the LC- and SN contrast, we examined an agar-based phantom containing samples of natural Sepia melanin and synthetic Cys-Dopa-Melanin and compared this to the in vivo human LC and SN. T₁ and T₂* maps, MT spectra and relaxation times of the phantom, the LC and the SN were measured, and a two-pool MT model was fitted. Additionally, Bloch simulations and a transient MT experiment were conducted to confirm the findings. Overall, our results indicate that Neuromelanin-MRI contrast in the LC likely results from a lower macromolecular fraction, thus facilitating interpretation of results in clinical populations. We further demonstrate that in older individuals T₁ lengthening occurs in the LC.

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Title: Unraveling the contributions to the neuromelanin-MRI contrast
Authors: Nikos Priovoulos
Stan C. J. van Boxel
Heidi I. L. Jacobs
Benedikt A. Poser
Kamil Uludag
Frans R. J. Verhey
Dimo Ivanov
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Brain Structure and Function / Issue 9/2020
Print ISSN: 1863-2653
Electronic ISSN: 1863-2661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-020-02153-z

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

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Unraveling the contributions to the neuromelanin-MRI contrast

Abstract

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Abstract

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