Diffusional water permeability of mammalian red blood cells

Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Red Blood Cells From Humans and Animal Species Providing Insights into Molecular Cell Biology

We reviewed the many discoveries in cell biology, made since the 17^th century, which have been based on red blood cells (RBCs). The advances in molecular and structural biology in the past 40 years have enabled the discovery with these cells, most notably, of the first water channel protein (WCP) called today aquaporin1 (AQP1). The main aim of our work reviewed was to examine by light and electron microscopy a very wide range of RBCs from reptiles, birds, monotremes, marsupials and placentals, in order to estimate from these images the RBC cell volume and surface area. The diffusional water permeability of the RBC membrane from these species has further been measured with a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy technique. The significance of the observed permeability of RBCs to water and possible influences on the whole body are discussed.

Cerebral oxygen extraction fraction MRI: Techniques and applications

The human brain constitutes 2% of the body's total mass but uses 20% of the oxygen. The rate of the brain's oxygen utilization can be derived from a knowledge of cerebral blood flow and the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). Therefore, OEF is a key physiological parameter of the brain's function and metabolism. OEF has been suggested to be a useful biomarker in a number of brain diseases. With recent advances in MRI techniques, several MRI-based methods have been developed to measure OEF in the human brain. These MRI OEF techniques are based on the T₂ of blood, the blood signal phase, the magnetic susceptibility of blood-containing voxels, the effect of deoxyhemoglobin on signal behavior in extravascular tissue, and the calibration of the BOLD signal using gas inhalation. Compared to ¹⁵ O PET, which is considered the "gold standard" for OEF measurement, MRI-based techniques are non-invasive, radiation-free, and are more widely available. This article provides a review of these emerging MRI-based OEF techniques. We first briefly introduce the role of OEF in brain oxygen homeostasis. We then review the methodological aspects of different categories of MRI OEF techniques, including their signal mechanisms, acquisition methods, and data analyses. The strengths and limitations of the techniques are discussed. Finally, we review key applications of these techniques in physiological and pathological conditions.

Reduced oxygen extraction efficiency in sickle cell anemia patients with evidence of cerebral capillary shunting

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes arterial blood water as an endogenous contrast agent to provide a quantitative measure of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Recently, hyperintense signal within dural venous sinuses in ASL images of sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients has been shown to be consistent with elevated flow velocities and may indicate capillary shunting and reduced oxygen extraction. Here, we performed oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and CBF measurements in adults (cumulative n = 114) with (n = 69) and without (n = 45) SCA to test the hypothesis that hyperintense venous ASL signal is associated with reduced OEF. Higher categorical scores of shunting on ASL MRI were associated with lower OEF in participants with silent cerebral infarcts or white matter hyperintensities (p = 0.003), but not in those without lesions (p = 0.551). These findings indicate that venous hyperintense signal in ASL images in SCA patients may represent a marker of capillary-level disturbances in oxygen exchange efficiency and small vessel pathology.

Highlighting membrane protein structure and function: A celebration of the Protein Data Bank

Biological membranes define the boundaries of cells and compartmentalize the chemical and physical processes required for life. Many biological processes are carried out by proteins embedded in or associated with such membranes. Determination of membrane protein (MP) structures at atomic or near-atomic resolution plays a vital role in elucidating their structural and functional impact in biology. This endeavor has determined 1198 unique MP structures as of early 2021. The value of these structures is expanded greatly by deposition of their three-dimensional (3D) coordinates into the Protein Data Bank (PDB) after the first atomic MP structure was elucidated in 1985. Since then, free access to MP structures facilitates broader and deeper understanding of MPs, which provides crucial new insights into their biological functions. Here we highlight the structural and functional biology of representative MPs and landmarks in the evolution of new technologies, with insights into key developments influenced by the PDB in magnifying their impact.

Estimation of cellular-interstitial water exchange in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI using two flip angles

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility of using multiple flip angles in dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI to reduce the uncertainty in estimation of intracellular water lifetime (τ_i ).

METHODS

Numerical simulation studies were conducted to assess the uncertainty in estimation of τ_i using dynamic contrast enhanced MRI with one or two flip angles. In vivo experiments with a murine brain tumor model were conducted at 7T using two flip angles. The in vivo data were used to compare τ_i estimation using the single-flip-angle (SFA) protocol with that using the double-flip-angle (DFA) protocol. Data analysis was conducted using the two-compartment exchange model combined with the three-site-two-exchange model for water exchange.

RESULTS

In the numerical simulation studies with a range of contrast kinetic parameters and signal-to-noise ratio = 20, the median bias of τ_i estimation decreased from 72 ms with SFA to 65 ms with DFA, and the corresponding median inter-quartile range reduced from 523 ms to 156 ms. In the in vivo studies, τ_i estimation with SFA was not successful in most voxels in the tumors, as the estimated τ_i values reached the upper limit of the parameter range (2 s). In contrast, the estimated τ_i values with DFA were mostly between 0.2 and 1.5 s and homogeneously distributed spatially across the tumor. The τ_i estimation with DFA was less sensitive to arterial input function scaling but more sensitive to pre-contrast T₁ than the other contrast kinetic parameters.

CONCLUSION

This study results demonstrate the feasibility of using multiple flip angles to encode the post-contrast time-intensity curve with different weighting of water exchange effect to reduce the uncertainty in τ_i estimation.

Hematological analysis of Ctenopharyngodon idella, Megalobrama amblycephala and Pelteobagrus fulvidraco: Morphology, ultrastructure, cytochemistry and quantification of peripheral blood cells

The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) and yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) are economically important fishes in China. Fish hematological features, especially the type and number of peripheral blood cells, are crucial for the evaluation of fish health and the diagnosis of fish diseases. Since the automatic blood cell count equipment for human is not suitable for fishes, the manual method is critical in the quantification of fish blood cells. To make sense of the comparison and interpretation of the blood cell count studies in different articles, the standardization of blood cell classification is necessary. In this study, erythrocytes (red blood cell, RBC), thrombocytes (TC) and leucocytes (i.e. white blood cells, WBC, including lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes) were well distinguished in blood smears with Giemsa staining and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. RBC, TC and WBC were directly counted with an improved Neubauer counting chamber in a modified diluting solution. The differential leucocyte count (DLC) was carried out in blood smears. In view of the labeling characteristics of peroxidase (PO) positivity in neutrophils and non-specific esterase (α-ANAE) positivity in monocytes, PO positive cell percentage and α-ANAE positive cell percentage were also determined in cytochemistry staining smears. No difference was found for the percentages of neutrophils and monocytes between Giemsa staining and cytochemistry staining. The standardized classification, normal count ranges and sizes of the peripheral blood cells by the present systemic studies will provide useful references for monitoring the health status of grass carp, blunt snout bream and yellow catfish.

Intrinsic Membrane Permeability to Small Molecules

Spontaneous solute and solvent permeation through membranes is of vital importance to human life, be it gas exchange in red blood cells, metabolite excretion, drug/toxin uptake, or water homeostasis. Knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms is the sine qua non of every functional assignment to membrane transporters. The basis of our current solubility diffusion model was laid by Meyer and Overton. It correlates the solubility of a substance in an organic phase with its membrane permeability. Since then, a wide range of studies challenging this rule have appeared. Commonly, the discrepancies have their origin in ill-used measurement approaches, as we demonstrate on the example of membrane CO₂ transport. On the basis of the insight that scanning electrochemical microscopy offered into solute concentration distributions in immediate membrane vicinity of planar membranes, we analyzed the interplay between chemical reactions and diffusion for solvent transport, weak acid permeation, and enzymatic reactions adjacent to membranes. We conclude that buffer reactions must also be considered in spectroscopic investigations of weak acid transport in vesicular suspensions. The evaluation of energetic contributions to membrane translocation of charged species demonstrates the compatibility of the resulting membrane current with the solubility diffusion model. A local partition coefficient that depends on membrane penetration depth governs spontaneous membrane translocation of both charged and uncharged molecules. It is determined not only by the solubility in an organic phase but also by other factors like cholesterol concentration and intrinsic electric membrane potentials.

Quantifying myofiber integrity using diffusion MRI and random permeable barrier modeling in skeletal muscle growth and Duchenne muscular dystrophy model in mice

PURPOSE

To measure the microstructural changes during skeletal muscle growth and progressive pathologies using the random permeable model with diffusion MRI, and compare findings to conventional imaging modalities such as three-point Dixon and T2 imaging.

METHODS

In vivo and ex vivo DTI experiments with multiple diffusion times (20-700 ms) were completed on wild-type (n = 22) and muscle-dystrophic mdx mice (n = 8) at various developmental time points. The DTI data were analyzed with the random permeable model framework that provides estimates of the unrestricted diffusion coefficient (D0 ), membrane surface-to-volume ratio (S/V), and membrane permeability (κ). In addition, the MRI experiments included conventional measures, such as tissue fat fractions and T2 relaxation.

RESULTS

During normal muscle growth between week 4 and week 13, the in vivo S/V, fractional anisotropy, and fat fraction correlated positively with age (ρ = 0.638, 0.664, and 0.686, respectively), whereas T2 correlated negatively (ρ = -0.847). In mdx mice, all DTI random permeable model parameters and fat fraction had significant positive correlation with age, whereas fractional anisotropy and T2 did not have significant correlation with age. Histological measurements of the perimeter-to-area ratio served as a proxy for the model-derived S/V in the cylindrical myofiber geometry, and had a significant correlation with the ex vivo S/V (r = 0.71) as well as the in vivo S/V (r = 0.56).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that DTI at multiple diffusion times with the random permeable model analysis allows for noninvasively quantifying muscle fiber microstructural changes during both normal muscle growth and disease progression. Future studies can apply our technique to evaluate current and potential treatments to muscle myopathies.

Three-dimensional mapping of brain venous oxygenation using R2* oximetry

PURPOSE

Cerebral venous oxygenation (Y_v ) is an important biomarker for brain diseases. This study aims to develop an R2*-based MR oximetry that can measure cerebral Y_v in 3D.

METHODS

This technique separates blood signal from tissue by velocity-encoding phase contrast and measures the R2* of pure blood by multi-gradient-echo acquisition. The blood R2* was converted to Y_v using an R2*-versus-oxygenation (Y) calibration curve, which was obtained by in vitro bovine blood experiments. Reproducibility, sensitivity, validity, and resolution dependence of the technique were evaluated.

RESULTS

In vitro R2*-Y calibration plot revealed a strong dependence of blood R2* on oxygenation, with additional dependence on hematocrit. In vivo results demonstrated that the technique can provide a 3D venous oxygenation map that depicts both large sinuses and smaller cortical veins, with venous oxygenation ranging from 57 to 72%. Intrasession coefficient of variation of the measurement was 3.0%. The technique detected an average Y_v increase of 10.8% as a result of hyperoxia, which was validated by global oxygenation measurement from T₂ -Relaxation-Under-Spin-Tagging (TRUST) MRI. Two spatial resolutions, one with an isotropic voxel dimension and the other with a nonisotropic dimension, were tested for full brain coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the feasibility of 3D brain oxygenation mapping without using contrast agent. Magn Reson Med 79:1304-1313, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

The impact of inspired oxygen levels on calibrated fMRI measurements of M, OEF and resting CMRO2 using combined hypercapnia and hyperoxia

Recent calibrated fMRI techniques using combined hypercapnia and hyperoxia allow the mapping of resting cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO₂) in absolute units, oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and calibration parameter M (maximum BOLD). The adoption of such technique necessitates knowledge about the precision and accuracy of the model-derived parameters. One of the factors that may impact the precision and accuracy is the level of oxygen provided during periods of hyperoxia (HO). A high level of oxygen may bring the BOLD responses closer to the maximum M value, and hence reduce the error associated with the M interpolation. However, an increased concentration of paramagnetic oxygen in the inhaled air may result in a larger susceptibility area around the frontal sinuses and nasal cavity. Additionally, a higher O₂ level may generate a larger arterial blood T₁ shortening, which require a bigger cerebral blood flow (CBF) T₁ correction. To evaluate the impact of inspired oxygen levels on M, OEF and CMRO₂ estimates, a cohort of six healthy adults underwent two different protocols: one where 60% of O₂ was administered during HO (low HO or LHO) and one where 100% O₂ was administered (high HO or HHO). The QUantitative O2 (QUO2) MRI approach was employed, where CBF and R2* are simultaneously acquired during periods of hypercapnia (HC) and hyperoxia, using a clinical 3 T scanner. Scan sessions were repeated to assess repeatability of results at the different O₂ levels. Our T₁ values during periods of hyperoxia were estimated based on an empirical ex-vivo relationship between T₁ and the arterial partial pressure of O₂. As expected, our T₁ estimates revealed a larger T₁ shortening in arterial blood when administering 100% O₂ relative to 60% O₂ (T_1LHO = 1.56±0.01 sec vs. T_1HHO = 1.47±0.01 sec, P < 4*10⁻¹³). In regard to the susceptibility artifacts, the patterns and number of affected voxels were comparable irrespective of the O₂ concentration. Finally, the model-derived estimates were consistent regardless of the HO levels, indicating that the different effects are adequately accounted for within the model.

Empirical model of human blood transverse relaxation at 3 T improves MRI T2 oximetry

PURPOSE

We sought a human blood T₂ -oximetery calibration curve over the wide range of hematocrits commonly found in anemic patients applicable with T₂ relaxation under spin tagging (TRUST).

METHODS

Blood was drawn from five healthy control subjects. Ninety-three in vitro blood transverse relaxation (T_2b ) measurements were performed at 37°C over a broad range of hematocrits (10-55%) and oxygen saturations (14-100%) at 3 Tesla (T). In vivo TRUST was performed on 35 healthy African American control subjects and 11 patients with chronic anemia syndromes.

RESULTS

1/T₂ rose linearly with hematocrit (r²  = 0.96), for fully saturated blood. Upon desaturation, 1/T₂ rose linearly with the square of the oxygen extraction, (1-Y)² , and the slope was linearly proportional to hematocrit (r²  = 0.88). The resulting bilinear model between 1/T₂ , (1-Y)² , and hematocrit had a combined r² of 0.96 and a coefficient of variation of 6.1%. Using the in vivo data, the bilinear model had significantly lower bias and variability than existing calibrations, particularly for low hematocrits. In vivo Bland Altman analysis demonstrated clinically relevant bias that was -6% (absolute saturation) for hematocrits near 30% and rose to + 6% for hematocrits near 45%.

CONCLUSION

This work introduces a robust bilinear calibration model that should be used for MRI oximetry. Magn Reson Med 77:2364-2371, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Quantitative theory for the longitudinal relaxation time of blood water

PURPOSE

To propose and evaluate a model for the blood water T1 that takes into account the effects of hematocrit fraction, oxygenation fraction, erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, methemoglobin fraction, and plasma albumin concentration.

METHODS

Whole blood and lysed blood T1 data were acquired at magnetic fields of 3 Tesla (T), 7T, 9.4T, and 11.7T using inversion-recovery measurements and a home-built blood circulation system for maintaining physiological conditions. A quantitative model was derived based on multivariable fitting of this data.

RESULTS

Fitting of the model to the data allowed determination of the different parameters describing the blood water T1 such as those for the diamagnetic and paramagnetic effects of albumin and hemoglobin, and the contribution of methemoglobin. The model correctly predicts blood T1 at multiple fields, as verified by comparison with existing literature.

CONCLUSION

The model provides physical and physiological parameters describing the effects of hematocrit fraction, oxygenation, hemoglobin concentration, methemoglobin fraction, and albumin concentration on blood water T1 . It can be used to predict blood T1 at multiple fields. Magn Reson Med 76:270-281, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Water permeability of the mammalian cochlea: functional features of an aquaporin-facilitated water shunt at the perilymph-endolymph barrier

The cochlear duct epithelium (CDE) constitutes a tight barrier that effectively separates the inner ear fluids, endolymph and perilymph, thereby maintaining distinct ionic and osmotic gradients that are essential for auditory function. However, in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the CDE allows for rapid water exchange between fluid compartments. The molecular mechanism governing water permeation across the CDE remains elusive. We computationally determined the diffusional (PD) and osmotic (Pf) water permeability coefficients for the mammalian CDE based on in silico simulations of cochlear water dynamics integrating previously derived in vivo experimental data on fluid flow with expression sites of molecular water channels (aquaporins, AQPs). The PD of the entire CDE (PD = 8.18 × 10(-5) cm s(-1)) and its individual partitions including Reissner's membrane (PD = 12.06 × 10(-5) cm s(-1)) and the organ of Corti (PD = 10.2 × 10(-5) cm s(-1)) were similar to other epithelia with AQP-facilitated water permeation. The Pf of the CDE (Pf = 6.15 × 10(-4) cm s(-1)) was also in the range of other epithelia while an exceptionally high Pf was determined for an epithelial subdomain of outer sulcus cells in the cochlear apex co-expressing AQP4 and AQP5 (OSCs; Pf = 156.90 × 10(-3) cm s(-1)). The Pf/PD ratios of the CDE (Pf/PD = 7.52) and OSCs (Pf/PD = 242.02) indicate an aqueous pore-facilitated water exchange and reveal a high-transfer region or "water shunt" in the cochlear apex. This "water shunt" explains experimentally determined phenomena of endolymphatic longitudinal flow towards the cochlear apex. The water permeability coefficients of the CDE emphasise the physiological and pathophysiological relevance of water dynamics in the cochlea in particular for endolymphatic hydrops and Ménière's disease.

The effect of alcohols on red blood cell mechanical properties and membrane fluidity depends on their molecular size

The role of membrane fluidity in determining red blood cell (RBC) deformability has been suggested by a number of studies. The present investigation evaluated alterations of RBC membrane fluidity, deformability and stability in the presence of four linear alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol) using ektacytometry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. All alcohols had a biphasic effect on deformability such that it increased then decreased with increasing concentration; the critical concentration for reversal was an inverse function of molecular size. EPR results showed biphasic changes of near-surface fluidity (i.e., increase then decrease) and a decreased fluidity of the lipid core; rank order of effectiveness was butanol > propanol > ethanol > methanol, with a significant correlation between near-surface fluidity and deformability (r = 0.697; p<0.01). The presence of alcohol enhanced the impairment of RBC deformability caused by subjecting cells to 100 Pa shear stress for 300 s, with significant differences from control being observed at higher concentrations of all four alcohols. The level of hemolysis was dependent on molecular size and concentration, whereas echinocytic shape transformation (i.e., biconcave disc to crenated morphology) was observed only for ethanol and propanol. These results are in accordance with available data obtained on model membranes. They document the presence of mechanical links between RBC deformability and near-surface membrane fluidity, chain length-dependence of the ability of alcohols to alter RBC mechanical behavior, and the biphasic response of RBC deformability and near-surface membrane fluidity to increasing alcohol concentrations.

Dependence of blood T(2) on oxygenation at 7 T: in vitro calibration and in vivo application

PURPOSE

The calibratable relationship between blood oxygenation (Y) and T(2) allows quantification of cerebral venous oxygenation. We aim to establish a calibration plot between blood T(2) , Y, and hematocrit at 7 T, and using T(2) -relaxation-under-spin-tagging MRI, determine human venous blood oxygenation in vivo.

METHODS

In vitro experiments were performed at 7 T on bovine blood samples using a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill-T2 sequence, from which we characterized the relationship among T(2) , Y, and hematocrit. T(2) -relaxation-under-spin-tagging MRI was implemented at 7 T to measure venous blood T2 in vivo, from which oxygenation was estimated using the in vitro calibration plot. Hyperoxia was performed to test the sensitivity of the method to oxygenation changes, and the 7 T results were compared with those at 3 T.

RESULTS

In vitro data showed that arterial and venous T(2) at 7 T are 68 and 20 ms, respectively, at a typical hematocrit of 0.42. In vivo measurement showed a cerebral venous oxygenation of 64.7 ± 5.0% and a test-retest coefficient-of-variation of 3.6 ± 2.4%. Hyperoxia increased Yv by 9.0 ± 1.4% (P = 0.001) and the 3 and 7 T results showed a strong correlation (R = 0.95) across individuals.

CONCLUSION

We provided an in vitro calibration plot for conversion of blood T(2) to oxygenation at 7 T and demonstrated its utility in vivo.

Hematocrit and oxygenation dependence of blood (1)H(2)O T(1) at 7 Tesla

Knowledge of blood (1)H2O T1 is critical for perfusion-based quantification experiments such as arterial spin labeling and cerebral blood volume-weighted MRI using vascular space occupancy. The dependence of blood (1)H2O T1 on hematocrit fraction (Hct) and oxygen saturation fraction (Y) was determined at 7 T using in vitro bovine blood in a circulating system under physiological conditions. Blood (1)H2O R1 values for different conditions could be readily fitted using a two-compartment (erythrocyte and plasma) model, which are described by a monoexponential longitudinal relaxation rate constant dependence. It was found that T1 = 2171 ± 39 ms for Y = 1 (arterial blood) and 2010 ± 41 ms for Y = 0.6 (venous blood), for a typical Hct of 0.42. The blood (1)H2O T1 values in the normal physiological range (Hct from 0.35 to 0.45, and Y from 0.6 to 1.0) were determined to range from 1900 to 2300 ms. The influence of oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and the effect of plasma osmolality for different anticoagulants were also investigated. It is discussed why blood (1)H2O T1 values measured in vivo for human blood may be about 10-20% larger than found in vitro for bovine blood at the same field strength.

Comparative studies of water permeability of red blood cells from humans and over 30 animal species: an overview of 20 years of collaboration with Philip Kuchel

NMR measurements of the diffusional permeability of the human adult red blood cell (RBC) membrane to water (P(d)) and of the activation energy (E(a,d)) of the process furnished values of P(d) ~ 4 × 10(-3) cm/s at 25 °C and ~6.1 × 10(-3) cm/s at 37 °C, and E(a,d) ~ 26 kJ/mol. Comparative NMR measurements for other species showed: (1) monotremes (echidna and platypus), chicken, little penguin, and saltwater crocodile have the lowest P(d) values; (2) sheep, cow, and elephant have P(d) values lower than human P(d) values; (3) cat, horse, alpaca, and camel have P(d) values close to those of humans; (4) guinea pig, dog, dingo, agile wallaby, red-necked wallaby, Eastern grey kangaroo, and red kangaroo have P(d) values higher than those of humans; (5) mouse, rat, rabbit, and "small and medium size" marsupials have the highest values of P(d) (>8.0 × 10(-3) cm/s at 25 °C and >10.0 × 10(-3) cm/s at 37 °C). There are peculiarities of E(a,d) values for the RBCs from different species. The maximum inhibition of diffusional permeability of RBCs induced by incubation with p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate varied between 0% (for the chicken and little penguin) to ~50% (for human, mouse, cat, sheep, horse, camel, and Indian elephant), and ~60-75% (for rat, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, alpaca, and all marsupials). These results indicate that no water channel proteins (WCPs) or aquaporins are present in the membrane of RBCs from monotremes (echidna, platypus), chicken, little penguin and saltwater crocodile whereas WCPs from the membranes of RBCs from marsupials have peculiarities.

The first discovered water channel protein, later called aquaporin 1: molecular characteristics, functions and medical implications

After a decade of work on the water permeability of red blood cells (RBC) Benga group in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, discovered in 1985 the first water channel protein in the RBC membrane. The discovery was reported in publications in 1986 and reviewed in subsequent years. The same protein was purified by chance by Agre group in Baltimore, USA, in 1988, who called in 1991 the protein CHIP28 (CHannel forming Integral membrane Protein of 28 kDa), suggesting that it may play a role in linkage of the membrane skeleton to the lipid bilayer. In 1992 the Agre group identified CHIP28's water transport property. One year later CHIP28 was named aquaporin 1, abbreviated as AQP1. In this review the molecular structure-function relationships of AQP1 are presented. In the natural or model membranes AQP1 is in the form of a homotetramer, however, each monomer has an independent water channel (pore). The three-dimensional structure of AQP1 is described, with a detailed description of the channel (pore), the molecular mechanisms of permeation through the channel of water molecules and exclusion of protons. The permeability of the pore to gases (CO(2), NH(3), NO, O(2)) and ions is also mentioned. I have also reviewed the functional roles and medical implications of AQP1 expressed in various organs and cells (microvascular endothelial cells, kidney, central nervous system, eye, lacrimal and salivary glands, respiratory apparatus, gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary compartments, female and male reproductive system, inner ear, skin). The role of AQP1 in cell migration and angiogenesis in relation with cancer, the genetics of AQP1 and mutations in human subjects are also mentioned. The role of AQP1 in red blood cells is discussed based on our comparative studies of water permeability in over 30 species.

Calibration and validation of TRUST MRI for the estimation of cerebral blood oxygenation

Recently, a T(2) -Relaxation-Under-Spin-Tagging (TRUST) MRI technique was developed to quantitatively estimate blood oxygen saturation fraction (Y) via the measurement of pure blood T(2) . This technique has shown promise for normalization of fMRI signals, for the assessment of oxygen metabolism, and in studies of cognitive aging and multiple sclerosis. However, a human validation study has not been conducted. In addition, the calibration curve used to convert blood T(2) to Y has not accounted for the effects of hematocrit (Hct). In this study, we first conducted experiments on blood samples under physiologic conditions, and the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill T(2) was determined for a range of Y and Hct values. The data were fitted to a two-compartment exchange model to allow the characterization of a three-dimensional plot that can serve to calibrate the in vivo data. Next, in a validation study in humans, we showed that arterial Y estimated using TRUST MRI was 0.837 ± 0.036 (N=7) during the inhalation of 14% O2, which was in excellent agreement with the gold-standard Y values of 0.840 ± 0.036 based on Pulse-Oximetry. These data suggest that the availability of this calibration plot should enhance the applicability of T(2) -Relaxation-Under-Spin-Tagging MRI for noninvasive assessment of cerebral blood oxygenation.

Lucifer Yellow as a live cell fluorescent probe for imaging water transport in subcellular organelles

While the water permeability of the plasma membranes of mammalian cells has been studied extensively, water transport across membranes of subcellular compartments (e.g., lysosomes, macropinosomes) has been difficult to study. Here we demonstrate a new method for measuring water flux in late endosomes and lysosomes of intact living cells using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Cells were loaded by fluid-phase uptake with a mixture of the Lucifer Yellow dextran (LY-dex), a D(2)O sensitive dye, and a D(2)O insensitive control dye, Alexa fluor 546 dextran (AF546-dex). LY-dex responded linearly to changes in D(2)O concentration and the LY-dex D(2)O sensitivity was not affected by changes in pH, physiological salt, and protein concentrations. The co-loaded control dye, AF546-dex, showed no signal changes as a function of D(2)O concentration. To measure membrane water flux, the LY-dex fluorescence in labeled organelles was recorded during rapid superfusion of cells with isotonic buffers prepared in D(2)O. The time constant of water exchange across the lysosomal membrane of intact cells was determined by fitting the data to a single exponential function. From these data, together with the measured area of the organelles, observed water permeability for intracellular CHO-K1 lysosomes was calculated to be 5.3 × 10(-3) ± 0.3 × 10(-3) cm/s. This work demonstrates the feasibility of measuring water flux into subcellular organelles in live cells using LY-dex.

Fast measurement of blood T1 in the human jugular vein at 3 Tesla

Current T(1) values for blood at 3T largely came from in vitro studies on animal blood or freshly drawn human blood. Measurement of blood T(1) in vivo could provide more specific information, e.g., for individuals with abnormal blood composition. Here, blood T(1) at 3T was measured rapidly (<1 min) in the internal jugular vein using a fast inversion-recovery technique in which multiple inversion time can be acquired rapidly due to constant refreshing of blood. Multishot EPI acquisition with flow compensation yielded high resolution images with minimum partial volume effect. Results showed T(1) = 1852 ± 104 msec among 24 healthy adults, a value higher than for bovine blood phantoms (1584 msec at Hct of 42%). A second finding was that of a significant difference (P < 0.01) between men and women, namely T(1) = 1780 ± 89 msec (n = 12) and T(1) = 1924 ± 58 msec (n = 12), respectively. This difference in normal subjects is tentatively explained by the difference in Hct between genders. Interestingly, however, studies done on sickle cell anemia patients with much lower Hct (23 ± 3%, n = 10) revealed similar venous blood T(1) = 1924 ± 82 msec, indicating other possible physical influences affecting blood T(1).

Determination of whole-brain oxygen extraction fractions by fast measurement of blood T(2) in the jugular vein

The oxygen extraction fraction of the brain reports on the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption and can be used to assess deviations in physiological homeostasis. This is relevant clinically as well as for calibrating blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI responses. Oxygen extraction fraction is reflected in the arteriovenous difference in oxygen saturation fraction (Y(v) - Y(a) ), which can be determined from venous T(2) values when arterial oxygenation is known. A pulse sequence is presented that allows rapid measurement (<1 min) of blood T(2) s in the internal jugular vein. The technique combines slice-saturation and blood inflow to attain high signal-to-noise ratio in blood and minimal contamination from tissue. The sequence is sensitized to T(2) using a nonselective Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill T(2) preparation directly after slice saturation. Fast scanning (pulse repetition time of about 2 sec) is possible by using a nonselective saturation directly after acquisition to rapidly achieve steady-state longitudinal magnetization. The venous T(2) (for 10 msec Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill interecho time) for normal volunteers was 62.4 ± 6.1 msec (n = 20). A calibration curve relating T(2) to blood oxygenation was established using a blood perfusion phantom. Using this calibration, a whole-brain oxygen extraction fraction of 0.37 ± 0.04 was determined (n = 20), in excellent agreement with literature values.

Magnetization transfer enhanced vascular-space-occupancy (MT-VASO) functional MRI

Vascular-space-occupancy (VASO) MRI is a novel technique that uses blood signal nulling to detect blood volume alterations through changes in tissue signal. VASO has relatively low signal to noise ratio (SNR) because only 10-20% of tissue signal remain at the time of blood nulling. Here, it is shown that by adding a magnetization transfer (MT) prepulse it is possible to increase SNR either by attenuating the initial tissue magnetization when the MT pulse is placed before inversion, or, accelerating the recovery process when the pulse is applied after the inversion. To test whether the MT pulse would affect the blood nulling time in VASO, MT effects in blood were measured both ex vivo in a bovine blood phantom and in vivo in human brain. Such effects were found to be sufficiently small (<2.5%) under a saturation power <or= 3 microT, length=500 ms, and frequency offset >or=40 ppm to allow use of the same nulling time. Subsequently, functional MRI experiments using MT-VASO were performed in human visual cortex at 3 Tesla. The relative signal changes in MT-VASO were of the same magnitude as in VASO, while the contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was enhanced by 44+/-12% and 36+/-11% respectively. Therefore, MT-VASO should provide a means for increasing inherently low CNR in VASO experiments while preserving the CBV sensitivity.

Study of diffusion in erythrocyte suspension using internal magnetic field inhomogeneity

Transport of water and ions through cell membranes plays an important role in cell metabolism. We demonstrate a novel technique to measure water transport dynamics using erythrocyte suspensions as an example. This technique takes advantage of inhomogeneous internal magnetic field created by the magnetic susceptibility contrast between the erythrocytes and plasma. The decay of longitudinal magnetization due to diffusion in this internal field reveals multi-exponential behavior, with one component corresponding to the diffusive exchange of water across erythrocyte membrane. The membrane permeability is obtained from the exchange time constant and is in good agreement with the literature values. As compared to the other methods, this technique does not require strong gradients of magnetic field or contrast agents and, potentially, can be applied in vivo.

Quantification of water compartmentation in cell suspensions by diffusion-weighted and T(2)-weighted MRI

When studying water diffusion in biological systems, any specific signal attenuation curve may be reproduced by a broad range of mathematical functions. Our goals were to quantify the diffusion and T(2) relaxation properties of water in a simple biological system and to study the changes that occur in osmotically stressed cells. Human breast cancer cells were incubated in isotonic or hypotonic osmotic buffers. Diffusion-weighted and T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired during sedimentation over 12 h. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data were analyzed with a biexponential fit, the Kärger model for exchange between two freely diffusing populations and the Price-modified Kärger model accounting for restricted diffusion in spherical geometry. We found that only the Price model provided an accurate quantitative description for water diffusion in both cell systems, independent of acquisition parameters, over the entire density range. Model-derived cell radii, intracellular volume fractions and transmembrane water exchange times were in good agreement with results calculated from light microscopy and with model-free exchange times. T(2) data indicated two populations in fast exchange, with volume fractions clearly different from DWI populations. Hypotonic stress led to higher slow apparent diffusion coefficient, longer T(2) and lower membrane permeability. The tortuosity in a hypotonic cell suspension complied with the Wang model for spherical geometry. Quantitative characterization of biological systems is obtainable by DWI, using appropriate modeling, accounting for water restriction and exchange between compartments.

Oxygenation and hematocrit dependence of transverse relaxation rates of blood at 3T

Knowledge of the transverse relaxation rates R2 and R2* of blood is relevant for quantitative assessment of functional MRI (fMRI) results, including calibration of blood oxygenation and measurement of tissue oxygen extraction fractions (OEFs). In a temperature controlled circulation system, these rates were measured for blood in vitro at 3T under conditions akin to the physiological state. Single spin echo (SE) and gradient echo (GRE) sequences were used to determine R2 and R2*, respectively. Both rates varied quadratically with deoxygenation, and changes in R2* were found to be due predominantly to changes in R2. These data were used to estimate intravascular blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contributions during visual activation. Due to the large R2* in venous blood, intravascular SE BOLD signal changes were larger than GRE effects at echo times above 30 ms. When including extravascular effects to estimate the total BOLD effect, GRE BOLD dominated due to the large tissue volume fraction.

Determining the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) of blood at 3.0 Tesla

It is important to determine the longitudinal relaxation time of blood for black blood imaging, as well as for quantifying blood flow by arterial spin labeling (ASL). In this study a circulation system was used to measure blood T1 under physiological conditions at the new clinical field strength of 3.0T. It was found that 1/T1 in s(-1) was linearly dependent (P < 0.05) on hematocrit (Hct) within a normal range of 0.38-0.46. The relationships were 1/T1 = (0.52 +/- 0.15). Hct + (0.38 +/- 0.06) and 1/T1 = (0.83 +/- 0.07). Hct + (0.28 +/- 0.03) for arterial (oxygenation = 92% +/- 7%) and venous blood (69% +/- 8%), respectively, which led to estimated T1 values of 1664 +/- 14 ms (arterial) and 1584 +/- 5 ms (venous) at a typical human Hct of 0.42. The temperature dependencies of blood T1 were 22.3 +/- 0.6 ms/ degrees C and 19.8 +/- 0.8 ms/ degrees C for Hct values of 0.42 and 0.38, respectively. When a head coil transmit/receive setup was used, radiation damping caused a slight reduction (19 ms) of the measured T1 values.

Impact of ultraviolet radiation and ozone on the transepidermal water loss as a function of skin temperature in hairless mice

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation or ozone leads to skin damage including oxidation of skin biomolecules, as well as to depletion of constitutive antioxidants. The highly organized stratum corneum forming the main barrier against most xenobiotics is particularly susceptible to such damage and possible barrier perturbation may be the consequence. Whereas ample evidence exists for an increased permeability for different solutes including water after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such an effect has not yet been reported for ozone. This study reports on the effect of such oxidative stressors using the hairless mouse as the skin model and measuring temperature-controlled transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator for skin barrier integrity. First, a strong dependency of the TEWL on skin temperature was observed, an effect that was clearly more pronounced than that found in man. Given this temperature dependency in untreated animals, we proceeded to determine the effects of both ultraviolet radiation and ozone on TEWL over a relevant physiological skin temperature range. Solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation (0.75-3 minimal erythemal dose) resulted in a delayed and dose-dependent skin barrier disruption over the entire temperature range investigated. Conversely, daily ozone exposure at 2 ppm for 1 week, however, did not significantly alter TEWL up to 72 h after the last exposure. The results demonstrate a differential response of the epidermis to two environmental stressors associated with oxidative damage; they suggest that chronic ozone exposure at relevant environmental levels does not lead to a detectable skin barrier defect, while solar UV exposure was demonstrated to increase epidermal water loss. Furthermore, experimental evidence clearly suggests that future studies applying TEWL measurements in animal models should be performed under carefully controlled skin temperature conditions.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging based on changes in vascular space occupancy

During brain activation, local control of oxygen delivery is facilitated through microvascular dilatation and constriction. A new functional MRI (fMRI) methodology is reported that is sensitive to these microvascular adjustments. This contrast is accomplished by eliminating the blood signal in a manner that is independent of blood oxygenation and flow. As a consequence, changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) can be assessed through changes in the remaining extravascular water signal (i.e., that of parenchymal tissue) without need for exogenous contrast agents or any other invasive procedures. The feasibility of this vascular space occupancy (VASO)-dependent functional MRI (fMRI) approach is demonstrated for visual stimulation, breath-hold (hypercapnia), and hyperventilation (hypocapnia). During visual stimulation and breath-hold, the VASO signal shows an inverse correlation with the stimulus paradigm, consistent with local vasodilatation. This effect is reversed during hyperventilation. Comparison of the hemodynamic responses of VASO-fMRI, cerebral blood flow (CBF)-based fMRI, and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI indicates both arteriolar and venular temporal characteristics in VASO. The effect of changes in water exchange rate and partial volume contamination with CSF were calculated to be negligible. At the commonly-used fMRI resolution of 3.75 x 3.75 x 5 mm(3), the contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) of VASO-fMRI was comparable to that of CBF-based fMRI, but a factor of 3 lower than for BOLD-fMRI. Arguments supporting a better gray matter localization for the VASO-fMRI approach compared to BOLD are provided.

Effects of intracellular pH, blood, and tissue oxygen tension on T1rho relaxation in rat brain

The effects of intracellular pH (pH(i)), paramagnetic macroscopic, and microscopic susceptibility on T(1) in the rotating frame (T(1rho)) were studied in rat brain. Intracellular acidosis was induced by hypercapnia and pH(i), T(1rho), T(2), diffusion, and cerebral blood volume (CBV) were quantified. Taking into account the CBV contribution, a prolongation of parenchymal T(1rho) by 4.5% was ascribed to a change in tissue water relaxation caused by a one unit drop in pH(i). Blood T(1rho) was found to prolong linearly with blood oxygenation saturation (Y). The macroscopic susceptibility contribution to parenchymal T(1rho) was assessed both through BOLD and an iron oxide contrast agent, AMI-227. The T(1rho) data from these experiments could be described by intravascular effects with insignificant effects of susceptibility gradients on tissue water. Tissue oxygen tension (PtO(2)) was manipulated and monitored with microelectrodes to assess its plausible contribution to microscopic susceptibility and relaxation. Parenchymal T(1rho) was virtually unaffected by variations in the PtO(2), but T(1) was shortened in hyperoxia and T(2) showed a negative BOLD effect in hypoxia. It is demonstrated that pH(i) directly modulates tissue T(1rho), possibly through its effect on proton exchange; however, neither BOLD nor PtO(2) directly influence tissue T(1rho). The observations are discussed in the light of physicochemical mechanisms contributing to the ischemic T(1rho) changes.

Measurement of tissue oxygen extraction ratios from venous blood T(2): increased precision and validation of principle

It has recently been shown that parenchymal oxygen extraction ratios (OERs) can be quantified using the absolute T(2) of venous blood draining from this tissue (Oja et al., J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 1999;19:1289-1295). Here, a modified Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) multiecho experiment was used to increase the efficiency and precision of this approach and to test the applicability of the two-compartment exchange model for spin-echo BOLD effects in pure venous blood. Relaxation measurements on bovine blood as a function of CPMG interecho spacing, oxygen saturation, and hematocrit provided the baseline relaxation and susceptibility shift parameters necessary to directly relate OER to T(2) of venous blood in vivo. Using an interecho spacing of 25 ms, the results on visual activation studies in eight volunteers showed T(2)(CPMG) values increasing from 128 +/- 9 ms to 174 +/- 18 ms upon activation, corresponding to local OER values of 0.38 +/- 0.04 and 0.18 +/- 0.05 during baseline activity and visual stimulation, respectively. These OER values are in good agreement with literature data on venous oxygenation and numbers determined previously using a single-echo approach, while the measured T(2)s are about 20-40 ms longer.

Comparative nuclear magnetic resonance studies of water permeability of red blood cells from maternal venous blood and newborn umbilical cord blood

Comparative morphological and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the diffusional permeability (Pd) were performed on red blood cells (RBCs) from maternal venous blood and fetal RBCs, isolated from cord blood taken at delivery. Fetal RBC had a diameter of 8.79+/-0.03 microm (mean+/-standard deviation, SD), a volume of 103 microm3 and a surface area of 157 microm2. We report here the first comparative measurements of Pd of maternal and fetal RBCs by using a Mn2+-doping NMR technique. The values of Pd were, in the case of maternal RBC, 3.7 x 10(-3) cm/s at 15 degrees C, 4.1 x 10(-3) cm/s at 10 degrees C, 4.9 x 10(-3) cm/s at 25 degrees C, 5.2 x 10(-3) cm/s at 30 degrees C and 7.2 x 10(-3) cm/s at 37 degrees C. For fetal RBC all corresponding Pd values were almost half, namely 2.0 x 10(-3) cm/s at 15 degrees C, 2.3 x 10(-3) cm/s at 20 degrees C, 2.8 x 10(-3) cm/s at 25 degrees C, 3.4 x 10(-3) cm/s at 30 degrees C and 4.4 x 10(-3) cm/s at 37 degrees C. The decreased Pd values of fetal RBCs were probably due to lower channel-mediated water permeability compared with adult RBCs. The values of the activation energy for water permeability (E(a,d)) were significantly higher for fetal RBCs (27.6+/-5.0 kJ/mol) than for adult RBCs (22.8+/-2.7 kJ/mol). A positive correlation between the Pd values of the two kinds of RBCs was found. This points to the genetic basis for the determination of RBC water permeability.

Graded reduction of cerebral blood flow in rat as detected by the nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time T2: a theoretical and experimental approach

The ability of transverse nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time, T2, to reveal acutely reduced CBF was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Graded reduction of CBF was produced in rats using a modification of Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion model. The CBF in cerebral cortex was quantified using the hydrogen clearance method, and both T2 and the trace of the diffusion tensor (Dav = 1/3TraceD) in the adjacent cortical tissue were determined as a function of reduced CBF at 4.7 T. A previously published theory, interrelating cerebral hemodynamic parameters, hemoglobin, and oxygen metabolism with T2, was used to estimate the effects of reduced CBF on cerebral T2. The MRI data show that T2 reduces in a U-shape manner as a function of CBF, reaching a level that is 2.5 to 2.8 milliseconds (5% to 6%) below the control value at CBF, between 15% and 60% of normal. This reduction could be estimated by the theory using the literature values of cerebral blood volume, oxygen extraction ratio, and precapillary oxygen extraction during compromised CBF. Dav dropped with two apparent flow thresholds, so that a small 11% to 17% reduction occurred between CBF values of 16% to 45% of normal, followed by a precipitous collapse by more than 20% at CBF below 15% of normal. The current data show that T2 can be used as an indicator of acute hypoperfusion because of its ability to indicate blood oxygenation level-dependent phenomena on reduced CBF.

Hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and its activation energy (Ea), cryoprotectant agent permeability (Ps) and its Ea, and reflection coefficients (sigma) for golden hamster individual pancreatic islet cell membranes

Long-term cryopreservation of islets of Langerhans would be advantageous to a clinical islet transplantation program. Fundamental cryobiology utilizes knowledge of basic biophysical characteristics to increase the understanding of the preservation process and possibly increase survival rate. In this study several of these previously unreported characteristics have been determined for individual islet cells isolated from Golden hamster islets. Using an electronic particle counting device and a temperature control apparatus, dynamic volumetric response of individual islet cells to anisosmotic challenges of 1.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1.5 M ethylene glycol (EG) were recorded at four temperatures (8, 22, 28, and 37 degreesC). The resulting curves were fitted using Kedem and Katchalsky equations which describe water flux and cryoprotectant agent (CPA) flux based on hydraulic conductivity (Lp), CPA permeability (Ps), and reflection coefficient (final sigma) for the membrane. For Golden hamster islet cells, Lp, Ps, and final sigma for DMSO at 22 degreesC were found to be 0.23 +/- 0.06 microm/min/atm, 0.79 +/- 0.32 x 10(-3) cm/min, and 0.55 +/- 0.37 (n = 11) (mean +/- SD), respectively. For EG at 22 degreesC, Lp equaled 0.23 +/- 0.06 microm/min/atm, Ps equaled 0.63 +/- 0.20 x 10(-3) cm/min, and final sigma was 0.75 +/- 0.17 (n = 9). Arrhenius plots (ln Lp or ln Ps versus 1/temperature (K)) were created by adding the data from the other three temperatures and the resulting linear regression yielded correlation coefficients (r) of 0.99 for all four plots (Lp and Ps for both CPAs). Activation energies (Ea) of Lp and Ps were calculated from the slopes of the regressions. The values for DMSO were found to be 12.43 and 18.34 kcal/mol for Lp and Ps (four temperatures, total n = 52), respectively. For EG, Ea of Lp was 11.69 kcal/mol and Ea of Ps was 20.35 kcal/mol (four temperatures, total n = 58).