In vivo molecular imaging of apoptosis and necrosis in atherosclerotic plaques using microSPECT-CT and microPET-CT
M De Saint-Hubert1, M Bauwens, N Deckers
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, MUMC, Maastricht, The Netherlands, marijke.de.sainthubert@mumc.nl.
Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to study molecular imaging of apoptosis and necrosis, two key players in atherosclerosis instability, using a multimodal imaging approach combining single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and computed tomography (CT).
Procedures:
Collar-induced carotid atherosclerosis ApoE knockout mice were imaged with (99m)Tc-AnxAF568 SPECT-CT to study apoptosis and sequentially with PET-CT following (124)I-Hypericin ((124)I-Hyp) injection to visualize necrosis.
Results:
SPECT depicted increased (99m)Tc-AnxAF568 uptake in both atherosclerotic carotid arteries, whereas our data suggest that this uptake is not merely apoptosis related. Although PET of (124)I-Hyp was hampered by the slow blood clearance in atherosclerotic mice, (124)I-Hyp was able to target necrosis in the atherosclerotic plaque.
Conclusion:
Both (99m)Tc-AnxAF568 and (124)I-Hyp uptake are increased in atherosclerotic carotid vasculature compared to control arteries. While apoptosis imaging remains challenging, necrosis imaging can be feasible after improving the biodistribution characteristics of the probe.
Insights
Molecular imaging of atherosclerosis instability using SPECT and PET shows increased tracer uptake in carotid arteries. While necrosis imaging shows promise, apoptosis imaging requires further refinement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Imaging
- Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis instability is linked to apoptosis and necrosis.
- Multimodal imaging offers a comprehensive approach to study these processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate molecular imaging of apoptosis and necrosis in atherosclerosis.
- To utilize a multimodal approach combining SPECT, PET, and CT.
Main Methods:
- ApoE knockout mice with collar-induced carotid atherosclerosis were used.
- Single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) with (99m)Tc-AnxAF568 for apoptosis.
- Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with (124)I-Hypericin ((124)I-Hyp) for necrosis.
Main Results:
- SPECT-CT showed increased (99m)Tc-AnxAF568 uptake in atherosclerotic carotid arteries, not exclusively related to apoptosis.
- (124)I-Hyp PET-CT demonstrated targeting of necrosis in atherosclerotic plaques, despite slow blood clearance.
Conclusions:
- Both tracers showed increased uptake in atherosclerotic carotid vasculature.
- Necrosis imaging is feasible with further probe optimization, while apoptosis imaging remains challenging.
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