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Molecular imaging of atherosclerotic plaques with technetium-99m-labelled antisense oligonucleotides
Guangming Qin1, Yongxue Zhang, Wei Cao
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to visualise experimental atherosclerotic lesions using radiolabelled antisense oligonucleotides (ASONs).
Methods:
Atherosclerosis was induced in New Zealand White rabbits fed 1% cholesterol for approximately 60 days. In vivo and ex vivo imaging was performed in atherosclerotic rabbits and normal control rabbits after i.v. injection of 92.5+/-18.5 MBq (99m)Tc-labelled ASON or (99m)Tc-labelled sense oligonucleotides. Immediately after the in vivo imaging, the animals were sacrificed and ex vivo imaging of the aortic specimens was performed. Biodistribution of radiolabelled c-myc ASON was evaluated in vivo in atherosclerotic rabbits.
Results:
Planar imaging revealed accumulation of (99m)Tc-labelled c-myc ASON in atherosclerotic lesions along the artery wall. Ex vivo imaging further demonstrated that the area of activity accumulation matched the area of atherosclerotic lesions. In contrast, no atherosclerotic lesions were found in the vessel wall and no positive imaging results were obtained in animals of the control group.
Conclusion:
This molecular imaging approach has potential for non-invasive imaging of atherosclerotic plaques at an early stage.
Insights
Radiolabelled antisense oligonucleotides successfully visualized experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits. This molecular imaging technique shows promise for early, non-invasive detection of atherosclerotic plaques.
Area of Science:
- Molecular imaging
- Cardiovascular research
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
- Early detection of atherosclerotic plaques is crucial for effective treatment.
- Current imaging methods have limitations in plaque visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize experimental atherosclerotic lesions using radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotides (ASONs).
- To assess the potential of ASONs for non-invasive imaging of atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Atherosclerosis was induced in rabbits by a high-cholesterol diet.
- Technetium-99m-labeled c-myc ASONs and sense oligonucleotides were injected intravenously.
- In vivo and ex vivo imaging of aortic specimens was performed.
- Biodistribution of radiolabeled c-myc ASON was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Technetium-99m-labeled c-myc ASON accumulated in atherosclerotic lesions along the artery wall.
- Ex vivo imaging confirmed that activity accumulation corresponded to atherosclerotic lesion areas.
- Control animals receiving sense oligonucleotides showed no positive imaging results.
Conclusions:
- Radiolabeled ASONs can effectively visualize experimental atherosclerotic lesions.
- This molecular imaging approach holds potential for early, non-invasive detection of atherosclerotic plaques.
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