Towards Metabolic Brain Imaging with Glucosamine CEST MRI: In Vivo Characterization and First Insights

The uptake of glucosamine (GlcN), a non-toxic food supplement, can be monitored by CEST MRI. While previously demonstrated in breast cancer, here we show that GlcN metabolism can be detected in the brain. Following GlcN administration in mice, the MTRasym signals were significantly elevated in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. A Lorentzian multi-pool fitting pointed to a significant increase in the hydroxyl, amide, and rNOE signals. An in vitro BSA study confirmed the interactions between brain compounds and GlcN shown in vivo. This study suggests that GlcN CEST has the potential to serve as a metabolic biomarker in brain disorders.