Diffusion MR of hyperpolarized 13C molecules in solution

• DOI: 10.1039/c2an36715g
• Publication Date: 2013-01-07T15:30:59Z
• Authors: Bertram L. Koelsch; Kayvan R. Keshari; Tom H. Peeters; Peder E. Z. Larson; David M. Wilson; John Kurhanewicz
• Keywords: Pulsed field gradient; Hyperpolarization; SIGNAL (programming language)

We combined the high MR signal enhancement achieved using dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) with a pulsed gradient double spin echo diffusion sequence to rapidly and accurately measure coefficients of various hyperpolarized 13C molecules in solution. Furthermore, diffusion-weighted imaging we generate coefficient maps multiple metabolites simultaneously. While experiments can rapid, non-equilibrium processes by avoiding averaging, continuous loss due longitudinal relaxation (T1) complicates quantitation. By correcting for this loss, demonstrate feasibility real-time (seconds) molecular transport phenomena. Potential applications include measuring binding, cellular membrane transport, vivo metabolite distribution establishing magnetic field independent parameter.