In vivo proton spin‐lattice relaxation times of normal and dystrophic muscles

Abstract

In vivo spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) of water and lipid protons were measured in normal and dystrophic chicken pectoralis muscles at different ages. Values were obtained with a surface coil used as both a receiver and a transmitter. A 2 theta-T1-theta-Acquisition sequence was used for these measurements. Accuracy was verified with an inversion-recovery method using a slotted tube resonator as the transmitter and a surface coil as the receiver. It was observed that the T1 values of water protons in normal muscles decrease with age, the T1 values of water protons do not change with age in dystrophic muscles, and the T1 values of lipid protons increase with age in normal and dystrophic muscles. These results indicate a failure of the normal maturation of dystrophic muscles.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

“…11,18 To our knowledge, the same study has not been undertaken in the brain of patients with Duchenne dystrophy. The T2 values in muscle change with progression of the disease in humans, indicating that they can be used to follow both progression and therapy.…”

“…The T1 relaxation time has been shown to be significantly higher in dystrophic chicken muscle than in the control. 17,18 In patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, T1 is initially higher than controls and decreases to a value lower than controls. The elevated T1 in younger individuals has been attributed to higher water content 16 and the reduction with age correlates with increased muscle fat content.…”

Multiexponential proton relaxation processes of compartmentalized water in gels

“…Proton relaxation times of compartmentalized water have been determined in tissues (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15), gels (22)(23)(24)(25), food materials ( 2 6 ) , and plants (27). In general, a monoexponential relaxation process of water in a closed compartment indicates fast exchange between free water and hydration water according to and h relate to free and hydration water.…”