Determinants of Magnetization Transfer Efficiency in Tissue and Cells

Jin-Hong Chen¹, Rachael O'Connor¹, Penelope DeCarolis¹, Samuel Singer¹

Magnetization transfer (MT) between water and cell lattice protons is an important contrast mechanism and a major determinant of the tissue water relaxation time. MT involves an interaction network that includes cross relaxation, spin-diffusion and chemical exchange. This study identifies the determinants of MT efficiency between water and cell lattice protons and shows that labile protons play a critical role in MT between water and cell lattice. Saturation of the cell lattice determines the degree of magnetization reduction of water due to MT and is dependent on the relative intensity of the irradiation pulse and residual dipolar coupling in tissue.