From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
Department of General Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD.
Ann Plast Surg. 2024 Sep 1;93(3S Suppl 2):S116-S118. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004097.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a potentially powerful novel peripheral nerve diagnosis technique. To determine its validity, in-vivo preclinical studies are necessary. However, when using a rodent model, positioning rats and achieving high-resolution images can be challenging. We present a short report that outlines an optimal protocol for positioning rats for in-vivo MRI acquisition. Female Sprague-Dawley rats with sciatic nerve injury were induced into anesthesia using 4% isoflurane in oxygen and maintained at 1.5%. Rats were placed into a plexiglass cradle in a right lateral recumbent position, and a surface coil was placed over the left leg. Respiration rate and body temperature were monitored throughout the scan. Our protocol was successful as rats were able to undergo MRI scanning safely and efficiently. There were no adverse reactions, and clear images of the left sciatic nerve were obtained. Animal positioning took 30 minutes, and 5 different acquisitions were obtained in 2 hours. The total time from anesthesia induction to recovery was under 3 hours. Given the increasing interest in MRI diagnostic techniques, we hope this report aids other researchers studying peripheral nerve injury imaging in rat models.
磁共振成像（MRI）是一种具有潜在强大功能的新型周围神经诊断技术。为了确定其有效性，需要进行体内临床前研究。然而，在使用啮齿动物模型时，对大鼠进行定位和获得高分辨率图像可能具有挑战性。我们提出了一份简短报告，概述了用于进行体内 MRI 采集的大鼠定位的最佳方案。使用氧中的 4%异氟烷诱导坐骨神经损伤的雌性 Sprague-Dawley 大鼠进入麻醉状态，并维持 1.5%。将大鼠置于右侧侧卧位的有机玻璃摇篮中，并将表面线圈放置在左腿上。在整个扫描过程中监测呼吸频率和体温。我们的方案成功了，因为大鼠能够安全有效地进行 MRI 扫描。没有不良反应，并且获得了左侧坐骨神经的清晰图像。动物定位需要 30 分钟，在 2 小时内获得了 5 次不同的采集。从麻醉诱导到恢复的总时间不到 3 小时。鉴于对 MRI 诊断技术的兴趣日益增加，我们希望本报告能帮助其他研究大鼠周围神经损伤成像的研究人员。
