Tissue K+ and Na+ distribution in renal interstitial disease assessed by 39K and 23Na MRI (C07*)

• Subject Area: Nephrology ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology ; Radiology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 509149993

In this project we will characterize the tissue electrolyte distribution in renal tubular dysfunction. We will therefore develop new MRI methodology to analyse tissue ion concentrations. Specifically, 23Na & 39K MRI will be applied to detect muscle Na+ & K+ shifts in aldosteronism. Furthermore, we will utilize combined morphological and 23Na imaging of the human kidneys to determine physiological Na+ variations. As tissue Na+ retention occurs in inflammation, we hypothesize that acute allograft rejection is characterized by tissue Na+ accumulation and can be detected by 23Na MRI. Besides, we will evaluate how SGLT-2 inhibitors influence the kidney Na+ and extrarenal Na+ & K+ concentrations in CKD and heart failure.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 374: Tubular system and interstitium of the kidney: (Patho-)physiology and crosstalk
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Heads: Dr. Christoph Kopp; Professor Dr. Armin Nagel, Ph.D.