Abstract #2482

Jones C, van Zijl P, Sherry A, Ren J, Malloy C

We show that glycogen can be detected through the water signal using selective radiofrequency saturation of the hydroxyl protons. This saturation is rapidly transferred to the water protons via chemical exchange, leading to their cumulative saturation and enhanced glycogen detection sensitivity via the so-called chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) mechanism. The effect was demonstrated on mouse livers by monitoring the glycogen signal decrease after exposure to glucagon. Comparison of proton-decoupled 13C NMR and CEST MRI was consistent with the glycogen origin of the CEST effect in MRI, which we call GlycoCEST.