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

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.