Placental physiology monitored by hyperpolarized dynamic ¹³ C magnetic resonance

Significance The placenta mediates the transfer of metabolites and nutrients, and its dysfunction leads to clinical syndromes that jeopardize both the fetus and mother. Current methods for assessing placental transport and metabolism in vivo are limited; the goal of this study is to validate the potential of minimally invasive technologies based on high-sensitivity, hyperpolarized 13 C MRI. Distinct placental crossing features were observed when administering different hyperpolarized metabolites to near-term rodents. In particular, [1- 13 C]pyruvate was observed to clearly localize in the placenta and to efficiently metabolize into lactate in healthy animals. By contrast, though transport appeared normal, a marked decrease in placental metabolism was observed in preeclamptic models. This opens avenues to diagnose placental disorders, which could translate into humans.