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Published on: October 20, 2013
19F magnetic resonance imaging of endogenous macrophages in inflammation
Sebastian Temme1, Florian Bönner, Jürgen Schrader
1Institut für Molekulare Kardiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Abstract:
In this article, we review the use of (19) F MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for in vivo tracking of monocytes and macrophages in the course of tissue inflammation. Emulsified perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are preferentially phagocytized by monocytes/macrophages and are readily detected by (19) F MRI. Because of the lack of any (19) F background in the body, observed signals are robust and exhibit an excellent degree of specificity. As a consequence of progressive infiltration of the labeled immunocompetent cells into inflamed areas, foci of inflammation can be localized as hot spots by simultaneous acquisition of morphologically matched proton ((1) H) and fluorine ((19) F) MRI. The identification of inflammation by (19) F MRI--at a time when the inflammatory cascade is initiated--opens the possibility for an early detection and more timely therapeutic intervention. Since signal intensity in the (19) F images reflects the severity of inflammation, this approach is also suitable to monitor the efficacy of pharmaceutical treatment. Because PFCs are biochemically inert and the fluorine nucleus exhibits high magnetic resonance (MR) sensitivity, (19) F MRI may be applicable for clinical inflammation imaging.
Insights
Fluorine-19 MRI (19F MRI) enables in vivo tracking of immune cells for inflammation detection. This method allows for early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy in inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Monocytes and macrophages play crucial roles in tissue inflammation.
- Tracking these immune cells in vivo is essential for understanding and managing inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) for in vivo tracking of monocytes and macrophages during tissue inflammation.
- To highlight the potential of 19F MRI for early detection and therapeutic monitoring of inflammatory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing emulsified perfluorocarbons (PFCs) for labeling monocytes/macrophages, which are phagocytized by these cells.
- Detecting PFC-labeled cells using 19F MRI due to the absence of background fluorine signals, ensuring high specificity.
- Correlating 19F MRI signals with proton (1H) MRI for spatial localization of inflammation as 'hot spots'.
Main Results:
- 19F MRI provides robust and specific signals for detecting labeled monocytes/macrophages in inflamed tissues.
- Inflammation can be localized by identifying areas with concentrated labeled cells.
- Signal intensity in 19F images correlates with the severity of inflammation.
Conclusions:
- 19F MRI offers a promising approach for early identification of inflammation, enabling timely therapeutic intervention.
- The technique is suitable for monitoring the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments.
- The biochemical inertness and high MR sensitivity of PFCs make 19F MRI a potential tool for clinical inflammation imaging.
