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Use of Cationized Ferritin Nanoparticles to Measure Renal Glomerular Microstructure with MRI

Kevin M Bennett1, Scott C Beeman2, Edwin J Baldelomar3

  • 1Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2540 Campus Rd., Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA. kevinben@hawaii.edu.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers whole-kidney assessment of glomerular morphology. Cationic ferritin (CF) as an MRI contrast agent enables precise measurement of glomeruli in intact kidneys.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Biomaterials

Background:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly vital for comprehensive kidney evaluation.
  • Assessing glomerular morphology non-invasively in intact organs is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and validate cationic ferritin (CF) as a novel MRI contrast agent.
  • To enable quantitative, whole-kidney glomerular morphology measurements in vivo and ex vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Production and testing of cationic ferritin (CF) as a superparamagnetic MRI contrast agent.
  • Intravenous injection of CF into mouse, rat, and human kidneys.
  • Utilizing MRI to measure glomerular number, volume, and distribution.

Main Results:

  • Cationic ferritin (CF) effectively binds to the glomerular basement membrane.
  • MRI with CF allows direct, quantitative measurement of all perfused glomeruli.
  • Successful application in intact mouse, rat, and human kidneys.

Conclusions:

  • Cationic ferritin (CF) is a viable MRI contrast agent for quantitative glomerular morphology.
  • This method provides a powerful tool for whole-kidney glomerular analysis.
  • Potential for advancing kidney disease research and diagnostics.
Keywords:
Cationic ferritinChronic kidney diseaseContrast agentGlomerulusKidneyMagnetic resonance imagingMorphology

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