Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Synthesis of Cationized Magnetoferritin for Ultra-fast Magnetization of Cells
10:23

Synthesis of Cationized Magnetoferritin for Ultra-fast Magnetization of Cells

Published on: December 13, 2016

Toxicity of magnetic resonance imaging agents: small molecule and nanoparticle

Yongmin Chang1, Gang Ho Lee, Tae-Jeong Kim

  • 1Department of Molecular Medicine and Radiology, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, South Korea.

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|February 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, including gadolinium-based and magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) types, have different toxicity profiles. Recent concerns highlight potential risks with both, necessitating careful safety evaluation for clinical use.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Nanotechnology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • MRI contrast agents enhance lesion detection, categorized by magnetic behavior and biodistribution.
  • Gadolinium-based agents are T1 agents; magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) agents are T2 agents.
  • Both agent types exhibit distinct toxicity profiles requiring careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the safety profiles of gadolinium-based and MNP-based MRI contrast agents.
  • To highlight emerging toxicity concerns associated with both agent types.
  • To inform clinical application and future development of MRI contrast agents.

Main Methods:

  • Review of toxicological studies on gadolinium-based contrast agents.
  • Analysis of nanotoxicity and cytotoxicity data for MNP-based contrast agents.
  • Consideration of MNP interactions with static magnetic fields in MRI.

Main Results:

  • Gadolinium-based agents, while generally safe, are linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with reduced renal function.
  • MNP-based agents present general nanotoxicity risks and specific concerns regarding unexpected cytotoxicity.
  • The combination of MNPs and MRI's static magnetic fields may pose additional clinical risks.

Conclusions:

  • Both gadolinium-based and MNP-based contrast agents require ongoing safety assessment.
  • Emerging adverse effects, including NSF and MNP cytotoxicity, necessitate further research.
  • Understanding these risks is crucial for the safe clinical implementation of MRI contrast agents.

More Related Videos

Biofunctionalized Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Multimodal Molecular Imaging Applications11:28

Biofunctionalized Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Multimodal Molecular Imaging Applications

Published on: April 28, 2015

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla08:51

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Published on: February 19, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:24

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions01:24

Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions

Drug toxicities can be stratified into pharmacological, pathological, or genotoxic based on their mechanisms. The incidence and severity of these toxicities generally increase with the drug's concentration in the body and exposure time.Pharmacological toxicity is evident when the therapeutic effects of drugs overshoot into adverse reactions in a predictable, dose-dependent manner. Central nervous system (CNS) depression from barbiturates is a classic example, with effects escalating from...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): Overview01:07

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): Overview

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a phenomenon exhibited by certain nuclei that can absorb characteristic radio frequency radiation under certain conditions. NMR has been extensively applied in molecular spectroscopy and medical diagnostic imaging. In both these applications, the molecule or subject under study is placed in a magnetic field and irradiated with radio frequency energy.
NMR spectroscopy generates a spectrum where the characteristic absorption frequencies of the sample are...
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:27

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...