Quantitative MR imaging of targeted SPIO particles on the cell surface and comparison to flow cytometry

To detect anti-CEACAM5 targeted superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles in vitro on the cell surface by quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to compare with flow cytometry.

The monoclonal mouse antibody T84.1 and an appropriate IgG isotype antibody were conjugated to dextran-coated SPIO particles. HT29 cells expressing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEACAM5) were treated with antibody-conjugated SPIO particles. Purified cell samples were examined on a 3.0-T MR scanner using a multi-echo spin-echo sequence for MR relaxometry. Aliquots of the cell samples were further treated with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) anti-dextran antibody and an Alexa Fluor 488 anti-mouse antibody for the corresponding flow cytometry.

MR relaxometry revealed a dose-dependent binding of T84.1-conjugated SPIO particles with a positive correlation between R(2) relaxation rate of cell samples and SPIO particle concentration during incubation (r=0.993, P<.01). Positive correlations were also observed between R(2) relaxation rate and flow cytometry (geometric mean) with both fluorescent antibodies (r=0.972 and r=0.953, both P<.01), respectively.

The study revealed the feasibility of quantitative MR imaging of targeted SPIO particles on the cell surface comparable to flow cytometry.