Measuring 129Xe transfer across the blood‐brain barrier using MR spectroscopy

In this study, Madhwesha Rao and colleagues from the Polaris research group at the University of Sheffield’s Department for Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease developed a tracer kinetic model.

Figure: Illustration of BBB, cerebral blood volume for gray matter, gray matter volume, arterial blood volume and transfer of xenon across the barrier
Figure: Illustration of BBB, cerebral blood volume for gray matter, gray matter volume, arterial blood volume and transfer of xenon across the barrier

The tracer kinetic model is for time‐resolved NMR spectra of HP 129Xe in the human brain to estimate the transfer rate of HP 129Xe from cerebral blood to gray matter that depends on a tracer transfer constant for a known mean transit time and cerebral blood volume for gray matter.

They believe this model will enable further studies to determine regional 129Xe tracer transfer constants with a focus of gaining insight into the pathophysiology of the blood brain barrier.

In addition, in light of the passive nature of the xenon tracer, it could serve as a cross‐reference for studies involving oxygen, water or glucose uptake, which are driven by metabolism and/or electrolytic balance.

Article

Measuring 129Xe transfer across the blood-brain barrier using MR spectroscopy (Magnetic Resonance in Medicine) M R Rao, G Norquay, N J Stewart, J M Wild.

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