Imaging the healing murine myocardial infarct in vivo: ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence molecular tomography

Abstract

New Findings r What is the topic of this review?This short review examines how advanced imaging can be used to assess remodelling of the heart non-invasively following myocardial infarction in murine experimental models. r What advances does it highlight?We review recent advances in the application of high-resolution ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), as well as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon excitation computed tomography (SPECT) for assessment of processes involved in infarct healing, e.g. inflammation, as well as global structural and functional analysis.Improved understanding of the processes involved in infarct healing is required for identification of novel therapeutic targets to limit infarct expansion and consequent long-term ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction. Infarct healing can be modelled effectively in murine models of coronary artery ligation. While imaging the murine heart is challenging due to its size and high rate of contraction, advances in preclinical imaging now permit accurate assessment of myocardial structure and function in vivo after myocardial infarction. Furthermore, rapid development of a range of molecular probes for use in a number of imaging modalities allows more detailed in vivo analysis of processes, including inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. Here we consider the practical application of in vivo imaging by magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and fluorescence molecular tomography for assessment of infarct healing in the mouse.

Fibrin patch-based insulin-like growth factor-1 gene-modified stem cell transplantation repairs ischemic myocardium

“…It has been also established as golden standard for heart function assessment. 23 In our study, MRI results demonstrated that oeIGF-1 group had better heart function than MSC group, but no significant difference was observed between two groups. It suggested that IGF-1 gene-modified BMSCs transplantation might be associated with moderate and weak improvement in global cardiac function despite histological results demonstrated benefit in vivo.…”

Cardiovascular Imaging in Mice

“…Rather, MRI data are acquired using gating methods over a number of heartbeats, with the implicit assumption that each cardiac cycle is similar to the previous. Cardiac MRI often complements echocardiography for certain pathophysiological questions, such as post-myocardial infarct healing (Gray et al, 2013). Below, we sketch out the main requirements for cardiovascular MRI in mice at both postnatal and fetal stages.…”

Advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac disease using in vivo assessment of heart structure and function in rodent models

“…This theme was continued by Adelaide Greco (Naples), who showed that positron emission tomography, now available for preclinical imaging, can provide an effective means of assessing infarct size, particularly when combined with computed tomography. Gillian Gray (Edinburgh) demonstrated that fluorescence molecular tomography now permits interrogation of inflammatory processes in vivo during infarct healing, adding to the structural and functional information gained from magnetic resonance imaging and high‐resolution ultrasound.…”