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Published on: July 16, 2021
Perfluorohexane-loaded macrophages as a novel ultrasound contrast agent: a feasibility study
Liselotte M Kornmann1, Daniëlle M J Curfs, Evelien Hermeling
1Department of Biophysics, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P. O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Purpose:
We investigated in vitro the potential of macrophages to act as targeted vehicle for ultrasound molecular imaging.
Procedures:
Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM), incubated for 3 h with different concentrations of perfluorohexane (PFH) emulsions, were monitored by microscopy, flow cytometry, and ultrasound. Effects of PFH loading on BMM adhesion molecule (PSGL-1, VLA-4, Mac-1, LFA-1) expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. Static adhesion of PFH loaded BMM to unstimulated and TNF-alpha stimulated b.End5 endothelial cells was assessed by microscopy.
Results:
Incubation of BMM with PFH emulsions resulted in dose-dependent uptake and increased echogenicity (max. 17 dB). Flow cytometry analyses revealed no down-regulation related to PFH loading of BMM adhesion molecule expression. Endothelial adhesion remained functional, even after 24 h, although PFH loading dose-dependently attenuated static adhesion.
Conclusion:
PFH loaded BMM may potentially serve as ultrasound contrast agent for noninvasive detection of atherogenic hotspots in arteries.
Insights
Perfluorohexane (PFH) loaded macrophages show potential as targeted ultrasound contrast agents. These PFH-loaded macrophages enhance echogenicity for noninvasive imaging of arterial hotspots.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Macrophages play a crucial role in inflammatory processes.
- Targeted molecular imaging aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Ultrasound imaging offers a noninvasive visualization method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate macrophages as targeted carriers for ultrasound molecular imaging.
- To investigate the feasibility of using perfluorohexane (PFH) emulsions for this purpose.
Main Methods:
- Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) were incubated with varying concentrations of PFH emulsions.
- Microscopy, flow cytometry, and ultrasound were used for monitoring.
- Adhesion molecule expression and endothelial cell adhesion were analyzed.
Main Results:
- PFH loading led to dose-dependent uptake and increased echogenicity in BMM.
- No significant down-regulation of BMM adhesion molecules was observed.
- While adhesion remained functional, PFH loading dose-dependently attenuated static adhesion.
Conclusions:
- PFH-loaded BMM demonstrate potential as ultrasound contrast agents.
- This approach may enable noninvasive detection of atherogenic hotspots in arteries.
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