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High-resolution MRI of deep-seated atherosclerotic arteries using motexafin gadolinium
Chris Brushett1, Bensheng Qiu, Ergin Atalar
1Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Purpose:
To evaluate the potential of using motexafin gadolinium (MGd) to characterize atherosclerotic plaques of deep-seated arteries with MRI.
Materials And Methods:
We exposed vascular endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) in vitro to varying concentrations of MGd. The fluorescence properties of MGd were then exploited using confocal microscopy to image exposed cells. For an in vivo validation study, we performed surface coil-based and intravascular coil-based high-resolution MRI of the iliac arteries and the abdominal aorta of three atherosclerotic Yucatan pigs. Subsequently, MGd enhancement of the target vessel walls was quantitatively evaluated and MR images were correlated with histology of the target vessels.
Results:
The in vitro study confirmed the intracellularization of MGd in both cell types and determined the optimum MGd dosage of 0.004 mmol/kg that produced the sufficiently high intracellular fluorescent intensity. The in vivo study showed a steady increase of MGd enhancement to approximately 25% at three hours postinjection of MGd. MRI showed areas of strong enhancement along the lumen boundary, which corresponded to fibrous tissue seen in histology.
Conclusion:
This study provides initial evidence that MGd may enhance MR vessel wall imaging for the characterization of plaque in deep-seated arteries.
Insights
Motexafin gadolinium (MGd) shows potential for characterizing deep artery atherosclerotic plaques with MRI. This agent enhances MR vessel wall imaging, aiding in plaque detection and analysis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis affects deep-seated arteries, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate characterization of atherosclerotic plaques is crucial for patient management.
- Novel contrast agents are needed to improve MRI visualization of plaque components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate motexafin gadolinium (MGd) for characterizing atherosclerotic plaques in deep arteries using MRI.
- To assess MGd's cellular uptake and fluorescence properties in vitro.
- To validate MGd's enhancement in vivo using high-resolution MRI in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies exposed endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) to MGd, followed by confocal microscopy.
- In vivo studies utilized high-resolution MRI of iliac arteries and abdominal aorta in atherosclerotic Yucatan pigs.
- MGd enhancement was quantitatively evaluated, and MR images were correlated with histology.
Main Results:
- In vitro studies confirmed MGd intracellularization and determined an optimal dosage for high fluorescent intensity.
- In vivo MRI demonstrated a 25% increase in MGd enhancement by three hours post-injection.
- MRI revealed strong enhancement at the lumen boundary, correlating with fibrous plaque components.
Conclusions:
- Motexafin gadolinium (MGd) shows promise as an MRI contrast agent for deep artery plaque characterization.
- MGd enhances MR vessel wall imaging, potentially improving plaque assessment.
- Further research is warranted to explore MGd's clinical utility in atherosclerosis imaging.
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