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A nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of the upper airways in ferrets. i. effects of histamine and methacholine
Author(s) -
Reo Nicholas V.,
Barnett Jeanne K. C.,
Neubecker Thomas A.,
Alexander Marise E.,
Goecke Carol M.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.1910270104
Subject(s) - histamine , methacholine , nuclear magnetic resonance , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , chemistry , pathology , lung , physics , respiratory disease , radiology
Alterations induced in the upper airways of ferrets by intranasal provocation with methacholine (MC) and histamine (HS) were monitored using proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spin‐spin relaxation rate (R 2 ) measurements. Both MC and HS cause a significant increase in the MRI signal intensity and a decrease in R 2 in the nasal turbinates. A dose‐dependent response is observed for 20 to 315 nmol of HS, with a maximum increase in intensity of ca. 50% occurring above 80 nmol. A single unilateral challenge with MC yields a 62 ± 3% increase in intensity. Control animals (saline‐treated) show little change in image intensity. MC and HS cause decreases in the proton R 2 by −27.0 ± 5.5% and −17.2 ± 4.3%, respectively. These data are indicative of an accumulation of fluid in the nasal airways. MRI provides an effective means to monitor changes in the nasal airways which occur as a result of pharmacological treatment.