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Abstract #0160

Macromolecular Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI Characterizes Hyperpermeability of the Intestinal Microvasculature in a Colitis Model

Katrien Vandoorne1, Tegest Aychek2, Steffen Jung2, Michal Neeman1

1Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel; 2Immunology, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel


In this work, we imaged and characterized blood vessels in the colon in an animal colitis model, where C57 black mice were exposed to DSS in the drinking water for 7 days, and developed a protocol for detection of alterations of the microvasculature in colitis. We showed with non-invasive macromolecular DCE-MRI, plasma protein leakage to the colon, highlighting the focal patches of colitis in post contrast 3D rendering. Macromolecular DCE-MRI demonstrated to be able to identify severe colitis and the loss of plasma proteins.