Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) distribution in CSF after cisternal and ventricular injections in a large animal model of hydrocephalous

Motivation: The glymphatic system was discovered in rodents. Given the surging interests to study the glymphatic system in various human diseases, it is important to better understand potential species differences. Goal(s): Here, we study CSF distribution in a canine model using clinical MRI scans. Approach: Gadolinium-based-contrast-agents (GBCA) were injected cisternally and ventricularly in six animals. The same imaging protocols were performed before and after induced obstructive hydrocephalous. Results: The spatial and temporal pattern of GBCA distribution in CSF were similar in cisternal and ventricular injections. However, under induced obstructive hydrocephalous, GBCA distribution showed drastic difference between cisternal and ventricular injections. Impact: The glymphatic system was originally discovered in rodents. Given the surging interests to study the glymphatic system in various human diseases, it is important to better understand potential species differences. This study investigates CSF distribution in a large animal model.