Quantitative Analysis of Mobile Proteins in Normal Brain Tissue by Amide Proton Transfer Imaging: Age Dependence and Sex Differences

Purpose The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between age change and amide proton transfer (APT) signal in each region of the whole brain and to derive the standard value of APT signal in each brain region of normal adults. Materials and Methods Using the mDIXON 3-dimensional–APT sequence of the fast spin echo method, an APT image was obtained. In total, 60 patients (mean age, 49.8 ± 16.9 years) with no abnormal findings on magnetic resonance imaging data were included. For image analysis, registration parameters were created using the FMRIB Software Library 5.0.11, and then a region of interest was set in the Montreal Neurological Institute structural atlas for analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using the age-dependent and sex differences in APT signals from each brain region. Results No significant correlation was seen between APT signal and age and sex in all brain regions. Conclusion Under the APT imaging parameter conditions used in this study, local brain APT signals in healthy adults are independent of age and sex.