DCE-MRI of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumor Xenografts: A Method to Assess Microvasculature in a Target Tumor Tissue

Abstract

Source: Kim, H. et al. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model. J. Vis. Exp. (2015).

This video describes the technique of DCE-MRI for orthotropic pancreatic tumor xenografts in mice. DCE-MRI is a non-invasive method to analyze microvasculature in a target tissue, and useful to assess vascular response in a tumor following a novel therapy. This method will assist investigators to apply DCE-MRI for orthotopic gastrointestinal cancer mouse models.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging

1. Apply MRI when tumor size is about 5 - 7 mm in diameter at usually 2~4 weeks after cell implantation. Use an MR scanner dedicated to small animal imaging or a clinical MR scanner equipped with a specialized coil for small animal imaging.
   NOTE: We used a 9.4T small animal MR scanner with a combination of a ¹H volume resonator/transmitter and a surface coil receiver (30 mm in diameter)(Bruker BioSpin Corp., Billerica, M....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
9.4T MR scanner	Bruker Biospin Corporation	BioSpec 94/20 USR
Gadoteridol	Bracco Diagnostics Inc	NDC 0270-1111-03
Micro-polyethelene tube	Strategic Applications, Inc	#PE-10-25
30 G blunt tip needle	Strategic Applications, Inc	89134-194
Monitoring and gating system	SA instruments, Inc	Model 1030	This is an MR compatiable system to measure respiratory rating and body temperature of small animals at the same time.
Syringe pump	New Era Pump Systems, Inc.	NE-1600