Quantitative phase contrast images to quantitate flow in a rat model of microgravity

Allison M. Hays, Rachel L. Keller, Arturo F. Gmitro, Maria I. Alpbach, K. R. Sridhar, Madel P. Balagtas, Mark L. Witten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

A magnetic resonance angiographic (MRA) technique for noninvasive measurement of flow in the inferior vena cava (IVC) was used to study blood flow changes in a simulated microgravity model. Microgravity was simulated in adult male Fischer 344 rats (n = 12, with each rat acting as its own control) using a tail harness to elevate the hindquarters, producing a non-weight bearing hindlimb (NWH) model. Quantitative phase contrast images of flow within the IVC were obtained initially and after a 2-week NWH protocol. Inferior vena cava blood flow was determined by converting the intensity at the respective magnetic resonance pixels into a corresponding flow by Doppler techniques. Average values for flow determined with MR angiography were 351.8 (SEM = 49) mm3 · s-1 initially and 524.5 (SEM = 46) mm3 · s-1 after exposure to 2 weeks of the NWH protocol. Post 2-week NWH flow increased 49.1% over the initial NWH value. Using a paired t-test, a significant difference was found between the rats' IVC flow values in the initial and post-NWH groups (p < 0.004). The changes in IVC blood flow due to 45°NWH may contribute to the overall changes observed in the cardiovascular system during simulated microgravity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)225-229
Number of pages5
JournalAviation Space and Environmental Medicine
Volume70
Issue number3 I
StatePublished - Mar 1999

Keywords

  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Microgravity
  • Non-weight bearing hind-limb model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Quantitative phase contrast images to quantitate flow in a rat model of microgravity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this