The experimental study of the pancreatic enhancement on MR imaging with Mn-DPDP

Objective: To investigate whether the exocrine glandular cells of the pancreas take in Mn-DPDP or its metabolite. Methods: A fistula tube was inserted into the major pancreatic duct through the major duodenal papillae in a group of six male dogs. The pancreatic juice was collected before and after the intravenous infusion of Mn-DPDP at a rate of 2-3 ml/min with a dose of 2 ml/kg body weight. The Mn content of pancreatic juice was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). T1-weighted spin-echo images and SPGR T1W images were obtained prior to and approximately 30 min after the administration of Mn-DPDP. Results: The Mn content of the pancreatic juice increased by (6.17 x 10-3 - 1.58 x 10-2) mmol/L (median 1.09 x 10-2 mmol/L) after the administration of Mn-DPDP with statistical significance (Z = 2.20, P < 0.05). The signal to noise ratio (S/N) of the pancreas increased by 6%-113% (median 50%) and 18%-108% (median 65%) on T1-weighted spin echo images and SPGR images, respectively. Conclusion: The experimental study confirmed that the exocrine glandular cells of the pancreas could take in the manganese and excrete it through the pancreatic juice, which played a leading role in pancreatic enhancement on MR imaging with Mn-DPDP. The Mn-DPDP-enhanced MRI can be used for diagnosing pancreatic abnormality and has the potential ability to evaluate the exocrine function of the pancreas