MRI Anatomical Investigation of Rabbit Bulbourethral Glands

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The transverse Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of rabbit bulbourethral glands has achieved detailed anatomical information. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has so far been similar in both sequences in the dorsal MRI of bulbourethral glands. The sagittal MRI of the glands has demonstrated a variety of anatomical contrast independent of the image plane. Rabbit accessory sex glands have been evaluated as suitable biological objects to demonstrate the effect of the application of imaging and diagnostic protocols to investigate the reproductive morphology and pathology of animals. The obtained imaging information by MRI could be used for the differentiation of the studied glands from adjacent soft tissue structures in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. Recently MRI has been involved as a relatively new and dynamically developing imaging method for the diagnostics of the urogenital system in different animal species. It is essential to obtain detailed anatomic data that are necessary for the interpretation of imaging findings. ABSTRACT: Anatomical MRI is appropriate for the interpretation of soft tissue findings in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. The aim of the current study was to use rabbits as an imaging model to optimize MRI protocols for the investigation of bulbourethral glands. The research was conducted on twelve clinically healthy, sexually mature male rabbits, eight months of age (New Zealand White), weighing 2.8 kg to 3.2 kg. Tunnel MRI equipment was used. The transverse MRI in the T2-weighted sequence obtained detailed images that were of higher anatomical contrast than those in T1-weighted sequences. The hyperintensity of the glandular findings at T2, compared to the adjacent soft tissues, was due to the content of secretory fluids. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has not shown much dependence on the choice of the sequence in dorsal MRI. The sagittal visualization of the rabbit bulbourethral glands corresponded to the localization of the research plane toward a median plane. The imaging results could be used as a morphological base for clinical practice and reproduction.