Combined MR Volumetry and T2 Relaxometry Reveals the Olfactory System as an Iron-Dependent Structure Affected by Radiation

Njenga R. Kamau; Michelle R. Tamplin; Chu-Yu Lee; Eric D. Axelson; Isabella M. Grumbach; Michael S. Petronek

doi:10.3390/neurolint17040053

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Combined MR Volumetry and T2 Relaxometry Reveals the Olfactory System as an Iron-Dependent Structure Affected by Radiation

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Combined MR Volumetry and T2 Relaxometry Reveals the Olfactory System as an Iron-Dependent Structure Affected by Radiation

Njenga R. Kamau, Michelle R. Tamplin, Chu-Yu Lee, Eric D. Axelson, Isabella M. Grumbach and Michael S. Petronek

Neurology international, Vol.17(4), 53

04/08/2025

DOI: 10.3390/neurolint17040053

PMCID: PMC12029731

PMID: 40278424

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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 (p < 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. Conclusions: These findings are suggestive that ionizing radiation may cause a pronounced disruption in the olfactory system that coincides with potential iron accumulation.

radiation-induced brain injury

iron metabolism

T2*mapping

olfactory system

Details

Title: Subtitle: Combined MR Volumetry and T2 Relaxometry Reveals the Olfactory System as an Iron-Dependent Structure Affected by Radiation
Creators: Njenga R. Kamau - University of Iowa
Michelle R. Tamplin - University of Iowa
Chu-Yu Lee - University of Iowa
Eric D. Axelson - University of Iowa
Isabella M. Grumbach - University of Iowa
Michael S. Petronek - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Neurology international, Vol.17(4), 53
DOI: 10.3390/neurolint17040053
PMID: 40278424
PMCID: PMC12029731
NLM abbreviation: Neurol Int
ISSN: 2035-8377
eISSN: 2035-8377
Publisher: MDPI; BASEL
Grant note: the Carver College of Medicine and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center: P30 CA086862 Carver College of Medicine
Core facilities were supported in part by the Carver College of Medicine and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, NIH P30 CA086862.
Language: English
Date published: 04/08/2025
Academic Unit: Radiology; Psychiatry; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Cardiovascular Medicine; Radiation Oncology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984808568502771

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