Lung Function Assessment in a Mouse Model of Emphysema Using Ultrashort Echo-Time and Oxygen-Enhanced MRI

Magdalena Zurek¹, Louise Sladen², Frank Risse¹, Sonya Jackson², Linda Swedin², Gaell Mayer², Lars E. Olsson³, Paul D. Hockings¹

Ultrashort TE oxygen-enhanced MRI was applied to assess pulmonary function in an experimental model of COPD induced in mice. Alveolar connectivity loss and loss of elasticity in PPE mice indicated development of emphysema. UTE MRI detected decreased proton density reflecting the destruction of lung parenchyma. However no difference in global oxygen enhancement between the groups was found suggesting that healthy lungs regions compensated for loss of function in damaged areas and/or that oxygen is dissolved in fluids associated with an inflammatory response in this experimental model.