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Use of quantitative MRI for the detection of progressive cartilage degeneration in a mini‐pig model of osteoarthritis caused by anterior cruciate ligament transection
Author(s) -
Wei Bo,
Zong Min,
Yan Chao,
Mao Fengyong,
Guo Yang,
Yao Qingqiang,
Xu Yan,
Wang Liming
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.24862
Subject(s) - osteoarthritis , cartilage , anterior cruciate ligament , medicine , glycosaminoglycan , condyle , nuclear medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , immunohistochemistry , pathology , anatomy , radiology , alternative medicine
Background To investigate the progression of cartilage degeneration using delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping in a mini‐pig model of osteoarthritis (OA) caused by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Methods Twelve mini‐pigs underwent ACLT in the left knee and were monitored by dGEMRIC (T1, gadolinium [Gd]) and T2 mapping after 2, 4, or 6 weeks (n = 4 each). No ACLT surgery was performed in four healthy control mini‐pigs, which were also monitored by dGEMRIC and T2 mapping. Cartilage samples from the weight‐bearing regions of the left medial femoral condyles were collected for macroscopic, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis. Correlations between biochemical contents and T1,Gd and T2 values were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. Results T1,Gd values were gradually reduced and T2 values increased over time. Cartilage surfaces showed roughness at 4 weeks and additional defects at 6 weeks. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) distribution and content gradually reduced over time ( P < 0.05), and collagen distribution and anisotropy were obviously changed at 6 weeks. However, collagen content did not differ significantly among postoperative timepoints. GAG content was positively related to T1,Gd values ( r = 0.888; P < 0.001) and negatively related to T2 values ( r = −0.865; P < 0.001). Collagen content had no discernible correlation with T1,Gd or T2 values. Conclusion dGEMRIC and T2 mapping can monitor the progression of cartilage degeneration in a mini‐pig model of ACLT‐induced OA, permitting early detection of OA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1032–1038.