Assessment of membrane fluidity using nuclear Overhauser enhancement mediated magnetization transfer

The fluidity of cell membrane is an important characteristic to assess, but to date there are no ways to measure fluidity non-invasively in vivo. We have observed a novel source of contrast at around -1.6 ppm in z-spectra which is derived from nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) effects between water protons and choline methyl protons which are in a restricted state within cell membranes. Our measurements of this signal modulation in different conditions show that NOE-mediated MT signal correlates well with membrane fluidity. This may provide a novel and non-invasive imaging tool to assess changes in membrane fluidity.

How to access this content:

For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.

After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.

After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.

Click here for more information on becoming a member.