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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

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American Journal of Neuroradiology 28:953-957, May 2007
© 2007 American Society of Neuroradiology

BRAIN

Visualization of Intracerebral Arteries by Synchrotron Radiation Microangiography

K. Myojin^a,c, A. Taguchi^a, K. Umetani^d, K. Fukushima^b, N. Nishiura^b, T. Matsuyama^e, H. Kimura^f, D.M. Stern^g, Y. Imai^c and H. Mori^b

^a Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
^b Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
^c Department of Radiology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
^d Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Hyogo, Japan
^e Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
^f Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co Ltd, Osaka, Japan
^g Dean's Office, College of Medicine, Cincinnati University, Cincinnati, Ohio

Please address correspondence to Akihiko Taguchi, MD, Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, National Cardiovascular Center, 5-7-1 Fujishiro-dai, Suita, Osaka, Japan, 565-8565; e-mail: Taguchiataguchi{at}res.ncvc.go.jp

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Small cerebral vessels are a major site for vascular pathology leading to cerebral infarction and hemorrhage. However, such small cerebral vessels are difficult to visualize by using conventional methods. The goal of our study was the development of methodology allowing visualization of small cerebral arteries in rodents, suitable for experimental models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using barium sulfate as a contrast material, we obtained microangiographic images of physiologic and pathologic changes consequent to cerebral infarction in mouse brain by monochromatic synchrotron radiation (SR). To achieve high-resolution and high-contrast images, we used a new x-ray camera with a pixel size of 4.5 µm, and we set the energy level at 37.5 keV, just above the K absorption of barium.

RESULTS: Small intracerebral arteries (30 µm in diameter) were clearly visualized, as well as the cortical branches (50–70 µm in diameter) at the brain surface. The limit of detection appeared to be vessels 10 µm in diameter. Compared with the noninfarcted side, the number of intracerebral arteries was dramatically decreased in the middle cerebral artery area affected by stroke.

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the potential of SR for evaluating pathologic changes in small cerebral arteries and for monitoring the impact of pro- and antiangiogenic therapeutic strategies.

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