Combined MR Volumetry and T2* Relaxometry Reveals the Olfactory System as an Iron-Dependent Structure Affected by Radiation
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Radiation therapy can often lead to structural and functional changes in the brain resulting in radiation-induced brain injury. This study investigates the MRI-detectable effects of whole-brain irradiation across all neuroanatomical structures in adult mice,...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Neurology International |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2035-8377/17/4/53 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> Radiation therapy can often lead to structural and functional changes in the brain resulting in radiation-induced brain injury. This study investigates the MRI-detectable effects of whole-brain irradiation across all neuroanatomical structures in adult mice, with a specific focus on T2* MRI measurements, to evaluate regions that may be particularly sensitive to iron accumulation. <b>Methods:</b> One year following irradiation or sham treatment, mice were imaged with a 7T MRI to evaluate changes in regional volume and T2* relaxation times across more than 652 neuroanatomical using the DSURQE mouse brain atlas. <b>Results:</b> Statistical analysis identified 301 altered regions with respect to regional volume and 85 regions with respect to T2* relaxation showing significant differences relative to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Further data refinement, including the consolidation of redundant, bi-lateral structures revealed 18 subregions with significant changes in both volume and T2*. The data refinement revealed that the most represented system was the olfactory system (8/18 regions, 44%). The olfactory regions also showed the most pronounced changes and greatest correlation between the two metrics. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings are suggestive that ionizing radiation may cause a pronounced disruption in the olfactory system that coincides with potential iron accumulation. |
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| ISSN: | 2035-8377 |