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Biomedical subjects

M Bunse

Publications and source records attributed to M Bunse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Quantitative evaluation of the lactate signal loss and its spatial dependence in press localized (1)H NMR spectroscopy.

Localized (1)H NMR spectroscopy using the 90 degrees -t(1)-180 degrees -t(1)+t(2)-180 degrees -t(2)-Acq. PRESS sequence can lead to a signal loss for the lactate doublet compared with signals from uncoupled nuclei which is dependent on the choice of t(1) and t(2). The most striking signal loss of up to 78% of the total signal occurs with the symmetrical PRESS sequence (t(1)=t(2)) at an echo time of 2/J (approximately 290 ms). Calculations have shown that this signal loss is related to the pulse angle distributions produced by the two refocusing pulses which leads to the creation of single quantum polarization transfer (PT) as well as to not directly observable states (NDOS) of the lactate AX(3) spin system: zero- and multiple-quantum coherences, and longitudinal spin orders. In addition, the chemical shift dependent voxel displacement (VOD) leads to further signal loss. By calculating the density operator for various of the echo times TE=n/J, n=1, 2, 3,..., we calculated quantitatively the contributions of these effects to the signal loss as well as their spatial distribution. A maximum signal loss of 75% can be expected from theory for the symmetrical PRESS sequence and TE=2/J for Hamming filtered sinc pulses, whereby 47% are due to the creation of NDOS and up to 28% arise from PT. Taking also the VOD effect into account (2 mT/m slice selection gradients, 20-mm slices) leads to 54% signal loss from NDOS and up to 24% from PT, leading to a maximum signal loss of 78%. Using RE-BURP pulses with their more rectangular pulse angle distributions reduces the maximum signal loss to 44%. Experiments at 1.5 T using a lactate solution demonstrated a maximum lactate signal loss for sinc pulses of 82% (52% NDOS, 30% PT) at TE=290 ms using the symmetrical PRESS sequence. The great signal loss and its spatial distribution is of importance for investigations using a symmetrical PRESS sequence at TE=2/J.

Acetic Acid↗

Unveiling extracellular inorganic phosphate signals from blood in human cardiac 31P NMR spectra.

31P NMR spectra of the human heart are usually contaminated by signals that originate from blood. The main blood signals are 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), which overlap and sometimes obscure the signal of myocardial inorganic phosphate used to calculate intracellular pH and to monitor metabolic changes in the heart. In this work we demonstrate, first, that even without proton decoupling the resolution of such spectra can be high enough to evaluate intracellular inorganic phosphate of myocardium in about 70% of the spectra and, second, that extracellular inorganic phosphate from blood contributes a signal in the chemical shift region of the 2-phosphate signal of 2,3-DPG.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗

Artifacts in CSI-measurements caused by the drift of the static magnetic field.

In chemical shift resolved spectroscopic imaging (CSI) temporal changes in the static magnetic field (drift) can lead to distortions of the phase encoding process. This can result in localization artifacts. The extent of the artifact depends on the size of the drift, the number of acquisitions, as well as on the combination of the size of the field of view and the number of phase encoding gradient steps. Furthermore, it is affected by the succession of the phase encoding gradients. Precautions are described which allow substantial minimization of the artifact.

Humans↗

[Pathogenesis of coronary disease].

Being overweight (OW) was recognized very early as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Its significance in the pathogenesis of CHD has been strengthened by observations showing that OW is responsible for the development of diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders due to its induction of insulin resistance (IR). Its key role has been underlined further by recent studies indicating that OW causes endothelial dysfunction via elevated serum fatty acids, which initiates the molecular events that further the process of CHD. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to determine its roots. The most probable reason for its high incidence is due to the genetic outfit of most people which does not permit adequate adaptation of the cerebral cortex according to the environmental changes which have occurred since the early days.

Adipose Tissue↗

31P NMR spectroscopy detects metabolic abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) often causes sudden, unexpected death in adolescents and young adults. Alterations in myocardial metabolism are considered to be causes for contractile dysfunction. We examined the question of whether metabolic abnormalities antedate the manifestation of symptoms in patients with HCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: Proton-decoupled 31P NMR spectroscopy of the anterior left ventricular wall of the heart of 14 young, asymptomatic patients with HCM was performed with a 1.5-T whole-body imager. Spectra of the phosphate metabolites were compared with those of normal control subjects. The patients exhibited a significantly reduced (P<0.02) ratio of phosphocreatine (PCr) to ATP of 1.98+/-0.37 (mean+/-SD), compared with 2.46+/-0.53 obtained in 11 normal control subjects. In addition, the group of patients with severe hypertrophy of the interventricular septum (n=8) showed a significantly increased (P<0.05) Pi-to-PCr ratio, with a Pi x 100/PCr of 20.0+/-8.3 versus 9.7+/-7.2 in control subjects. Both abnormalities are similar to those found in ischemic myocardium. This view is also supported by a significantly increased (P<0.01) phosphomonoester (PME)-to-PCr ratio, with a PME x 100/PCr of 20.7+/-11.2 compared with 8.4+/-6.7 in control subjects, indicating altered glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: 31P NMR spectroscopy detects alterations of myocardial metabolism in asymptomatic patients with HCM. These alterations may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease.

Adolescent↗

Detection of phosphomonoester signals in proton-decoupled 31P NMR spectra of the myocardium of patients with myocardial hypertrophy.

Proton-decoupled 31P NMR spectroscopy at 1.5 T of the anterior left ventricular myocardium was used to monitor myocardial phosphate metabolism in asymptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, n = 14) and aortic stenosis (AS, n = 12). In addition to the well-known phosphorus signals a phosphomonoester (PME) signal was detected at about 6.9 ppm in 7 HCM and 2 AS patients. This signal was not observed in the spectra of normal controls (n = 11). We suggest that in spectra of patients with myocardial hypertrophy the presence of a PME signal reflects alterations in myocardial glucose metabolism.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗

Proton-decoupled myocardial 31P NMR spectroscopy reveals decreased PCr/Pi in patients with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Disturbed myocardial energy metabolism may occur in patients with primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A noninvasive way to gain insight into cardiac energy metabolism is provided by in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. 31P NMR spectroscopy with proton decoupling was performed in 13 patients aged 13-36 years with HCM on a 1.5 T Magnetom with a double resonant surface coil. A 2D chemical shift imaging (CSI) sequence in combination with slice selective excitation was used to acquire spectra of the anteroseptal region of the left ventricle (volume element: 38 mL). The chemical shifts of the phosphorus metabolites, intracellular pHi, and coupling constants J(alphabeta) and J(gammabeta) were calculated. Peak areas of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG), Pi, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were determined and corrected for blood contamination, saturation, and differences in nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOE). The maximum thickness of the interventricular septum (IVSmax) was determined from tomographic long-axis images and expressed as number of standard deviations above the mean of the normal population (Z score). The patients were then divided into 2 groups: 6 patients with moderate HCM (HCMm, Z score < or = 5) and 7 patients with severe HCM (HCMs, Z score > 5). No differences between both groups and a control group of healthy volunteers (n = 16) were found with respect to phosphocreatine (PCr)/gamma-ATP ratio, pHi, or the coupling constants. Only the PCr/Pi ratio differed significantly from the control group (HCM(all), alpha < 0.05, HCMs, alpha < 0.02, 2-sided U test). The decrease of the PCr/Pi ratio in patients with HCM is probably caused by ischemically decreased oxygen supply in the severely hypertrophied myocardium.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Phosphorus J-coupling constants of ATP in human brain.

Proton decoupled 31P NMR spectroscopy of the occipital brain of healthy volunteers was performed with a 1.5 T whole-body imager. By use of two-dimensional chemical-shift imaging in combination with slice-selective excitation well resolved localized spectra (38 ml) were obtained within 34 min from which the homonuclear 31P-31P J-coupling constants of ATP could be determined: J(gammabeta) = 16.1 Hz +/- 0.2 Hz and J(alphabeta) = 16.3 Hz +/- 0.1 Hz (mean +/- SEM, n = 14). Both, the J-coupling constants and the chemical-shift difference between alpha- and beta-ATP (delta(alphabeta) = 8.61 ppm +/- 0.01 ppm) were used to calculate the concentration of intracellular free magnesium. The concentrations are 0.39 mM +/- 0.09 mM by using the average of both coupling constants of each spectrum, which is in fair agreement with 0.32 mM +/- 0.01 mM obtained from the chemical shift of alpha and beta phosphate resonances, which is the more accurate result.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Change in chemical shift and splitting of 31P gamma-ATP signal in human skeletal muscle during exercise and recovery.

Proton decoupled 31P in vivo NMR spectroscopy of the human finger flexor muscles was performed during exercise and recovery using a 1.5 T whole-body imager. Predominantly the gamma-ATP signal shows a splitting caused by different signal contributions with chemical shifts that vary independently. Studies on the human gastrocnemius and biceps femoris muscle were undertaken to investigate the appearance of the splitting in these muscles as well. In all cases more than one signal contribution was found which might represent the different muscle fibre types and their recruitment pattern following exercise. An analysis of the chemical shifts (delta) of ATP results in changes of up to 0.4 ppm and 0.1 ppm for delta gamma- and delta beta-ATP, respectively. Based solely on the chemical shifts of the ATP 31P signals the tissue pH value following exercise was determined. The result was in good agreement with the value derived from delta Pi.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Phosphorus J coupling constants of ATP in human myocardium and calf muscle.

Proton-decoupled 31P NMR spectroscopy of the heart and calf muscle of healthy volunteers was performed with a 1.5 T whole-body imager. By use of two-dimensional chemical-shift imaging in combination with slice-selective excitation, well-resolved localized spectra (elements of 38 ml) were obtained within 20 to 35 min from which the homonuclear J coupling constants of ATP could be determined. In myocardium, J gamma beta = 16.03 +/- 0.17 Hz and J alpha beta = 15.82 +/- 0.23 Hz were obtained, while the values in calf muscle were J gamma beta = 17.16 +/- 0.12 Hz and J alpha beta = 16.04 +/- 0.09 Hz. The difference in J gamma beta was significant. According to the literature, a possible reason for greater ATP J coupling constants is a smaller fraction of ATP complexed to magnesium. However, the chemical-shift difference between alpha- and beta-ATP, which is also a measure for the fraction of ATP complexed to magnesium, showed only a small difference in ATP complexation: 88% in myocardium and 90% in calf muscle. This small difference cannot account for the observed difference in J gamma beta.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Determination of the Chemical-Shift Difference between the Lactate Multiplets and Its pH Dependence

A volume-selective NMR method is presented for very exact determination of the difference of the Larmor frequencies between the coupled resonances of homonuclear AX3 spin systems, as, for example, lactate. The frequency difference can be determined with an accuracy of 0.003 ppm even if only the doublet of the spin system can be detected. The method is based on the effects of homonuclear polarization transfer which occurs in localized double-spin-echo spectroscopy. It is used for determination of the chemical-shift difference of the lactate multiplets, which depends on the degree of dissociation and consequently on pH. Measurements were performed with a 1.5 T Siemens Magnetom SP 63 whole-body imager on solutions of lactate and acetic acid in physiological sodium chloride solution with pH from 1 to 11. As a consequence of these measurements, conclusions are possible for the optimum echo time for PRESS measurements which avoid signal losses from polarization transfer. Furthermore, the possibility of localized pH determination by this effect is discussed.

Journal Article↗

Sequence parameters of double spin-echo sequences affect quantification of citrate.

Quantification of citrate by localized 1H spectroscopy is usually performed using the water signal as reference, but the signal behavior of the J-coupled AB spin system of citrate after multipulse excitation is not as trivial as for uncoupled substances. The influence of the timing scheme of double spin-echo sequences and of the spatial flip angle distribution of (nonideal) refocusing pulses was analyzed systematically for the citrate resonances. Both single echo times of the double spin-echo sequence were varied between 20 ms and 250 ms in theoretical and experimental approaches. Relatively long total echo times (TE > 120 ms) provide high selectivity to citrate signals, since signals from triglycerides at 2.6 ppm are markedly reduced. Asymmetrical timing schemes of the double spin-echo sequence with one short single echo time of 20 ms and one longer single echo time of about 120 ms result in high integral signal from the central lines of citrate, whereas symmetrical timing leads to high sensitivity for total echo times TE near 100 ms. The integral citrate signals in spectra with relatively long echo times (TE > 120 ms) were found to depend markedly on the type of the refocusing pulses, affecting quantitative citrate measurements in vitro and in vivo.

Citric Acid↗

Spin-echo methods for the determination of 31P transverse relaxation times of the ATP NMR signals in vivo.

31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) examinations of the calf muscles of healthy volunteers were performed to determine T2 of the coupled ATP signals by use of the Hahn spin-echo and the frequency-selective spin-echo method. Additional measurements with the J-coupling refocused double echo are presented. The most reliable determination of T2 relaxation times is possible with the frequency-selective spin echo. The other methods yield substantially wrong results. Theoretical explanations are given how J-coupling and pulse-angle deviations affect the signals and therefore the T2 determinations. The calculations for a weakly coupled homonuclear AX spin system are shown because they demonstrate most of the relevant facts. In addition, some important results for a homonuclear AMX spin system, which the ATP is considered to be, are given.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: findings at MR imaging and proton spectroscopy of the lower leg.

Five magnetic resonance (MR) studies of the lower leg were performed in three patients with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). The 1H spectroscopic and imaging findings were compared with seven examinations of age-matched healthy controls. Standard imaging with proton density-, T1-, and T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequences at 1.5 T showed marked atrophy of the calf muscles and slightly increased signal strength of muscle tissue in T2-weighted SE images. The application of frequency selective chemical shift imaging (SENEX) exhibited skin changes similar to those of scleroderma with increased water content and thickened cutis in the water selective images. In one patient the tibialis muscles showed irregular structures, but no fatty degeneration as demonstrated in the fat selective images. Proton signals from volume elements of (20 mm)3 within the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle were recorded by the PRESS localization method. A reduction of the creatine/water and the choline/water ratios was found in the 1H spectra from the EMS patients compared to the controls. Localized 1H spectroscopy exhibited modified distributions of the lipid signals in two EMS patients with slightly elevated signals from unsaturated fatty acids. The transverse relaxation of choline and creatine signals was accelerated in both examinations of one patient compared with the healthy controls.

Adult↗

Comparison of localized proton NMR signals of skeletal muscle and fat tissue in vivo: two lipid compartments in muscle tissue.

In vivo 1H NMR spectra of small volumes-of-interest (VOI) were localized in human soleus muscle (8 ml) and compared with volume selective spectra of subcutaneous fat tissue and femoral yellow bone marrow (2 ml). All examinations were performed by the double spin echo (PRESS) localization technique. To provide comparability, spectra of different tissues were recorded using identical sequence timing. Clearly improved resolution of the lipid signals of muscle tissue was obtained using long echo times TE > 200 ms. The spectra of muscle tissue exhibit lipid signals that stem from two compartments with a difference of their resonance frequencies of about 0.2 ppm (Larmor frequency difference 12-13 Hz at 1.5 T). The existence of two fatty acid compartments is supported by measurements of the relaxation times and line shape analysis. Both compartments contain fatty acids or triglycerides with similar composition. Probably one compartment corresponds to fat cells within muscle tissue, the other compartment with lower Larmor frequency is located within muscle cells.

Adipose Tissue↗

A pitfall associated with determination of transverse relaxation times of the 31P NMR signals of ATP using the Hahn spin-echo.

T2 measurements of 31P NMR signals of ATP using the Hahn 90 degrees-180 degrees spin-echo sequence imply difficulties whenever the 180 degrees pulse angle is not completely perfect. The reason for this finding is the crucial influence of the J-couplings of the ATP signals which result in intensity modulations and consequently in false T2 values even when the echo times are chosen to TE = n/J. Examinations on the calf muscles of healthy volunteers were performed to demonstrate this effect and its influence on in vivo T2 determinations. The T2 relaxation times evaluated with the Hahn spin-echo in combination with a Helmholtz coil are far shorter than the true T2 values.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗