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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Percutaneous Contrast Echocardiography-guided Intramyocardial Injection and Cell Delivery in a Large Preclinical Model
Published on: January 21, 2018
Non-invasive detection and quantification of acute myocardial infarction in rabbits using mono-[123I]iodohypericin
Humphrey Fonge1, Kathleen Vunckx, Huaijun Wang
1Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, K.U. Leuven, O&N 2, Box 821, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Aims:
Mono-[(123)I]iodohypericin ([(123)I]MIH) has been reported to have high avidity for necrosis. In the present study, by using rabbit models of acute myocardial infarction, we explored the suitability of [(123)I]MIH micro single photon emission computed tomography (microSPECT) for non-invasive visualization of myocardial infarcts in comparison with [(13)N]ammonia micro positron emission tomography (microPET) imaging, postmortem histomorphometry, and [(123)I]MIH autoradiography.
Methods And Results:
Fourteen rabbits were divided into four groups. The left circumflex coronary artery was permanently occluded in group A (n = 3), reperfused by releasing the ligature after 15 min in group B (n = 3) or 90 min in group C (n = 6), or not occluded in group D (n = 2). Animals received [(13)N]ammonia microPET perfusion imaging 18 h after infarct induction followed by microSPECT imaging at 2-3.5, 9-11, and 22-24 h post injection (p.i.) of [(123)I]MIH. The cardiac images were assembled into polar maps for assessment of tracer uptake. Animals were sacrificed and the excised heart was sliced for autoradiography, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, and haematoxylin-eosin staining. Using [(123)I]MIH microSPECT, infarcts were well delineated at 9 h p.i. Mean microSPECT infarct size was 38.8 and 32.7% of left ventricular area for groups A and C, respectively, whereas group B showed low uptake of [(123)I]MIH. Highest mean infarct/viable tissue activity ratio of 61/1 was obtained by autoradiography in group C animals at 24 h p.i.
Conclusion:
The study indicates the suitability of [(123)I]MIH for in vivo visualization of myocardial infarcts.
Insights
Mono-[(123)I]iodohypericin ([(123)I]MIH) microSPECT effectively visualizes myocardial infarcts in rabbit models. This imaging technique shows promise for non-invasive detection of heart damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
- Experimental Pathology
Background:
- Mono-[(123)I]iodohypericin ([(123)I]MIH) exhibits avidity for necrotic tissue.
- Non-invasive imaging of myocardial infarction is crucial for timely intervention and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of [(123)I]MIH microSPECT for non-invasive visualization of myocardial infarcts.
- To compare [(123)I]MIH microSPECT with [(13)N]ammonia microPET, histomorphometry, and autoradiography in rabbit models.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit models of acute myocardial infarction were established.
- Animals underwent [(13)N]ammonia microPET perfusion imaging and serial [(123)I]MIH microSPECT imaging.
- Postmortem analysis included autoradiography and histological staining (triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, haematoxylin-eosin).
Main Results:
- [(123)I]MIH microSPECT successfully delineated infarcts at 9 hours post-injection.
- Mean infarct size by microSPECT was 38.8% (group A) and 32.7% (group C) of the left ventricular area.
- Autoradiography in group C showed a high infarct/viable tissue activity ratio of 61/1 at 24 hours post-injection.
Conclusions:
- [(123)I]MIH microSPECT is suitable for in vivo visualization of myocardial infarcts.
- The imaging agent demonstrates potential for non-invasive assessment of cardiac necrosis.
