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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
In vivo 19F MRI for Cell Tracking
Published on: November 25, 2013
Effect of mouse strain and diet on feasibility of MRI-based cell tracking in the liver
Christiane L Mallett1, Jeremy M L Hix1, Matti Kiupel2
1Department of Radiology and Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
Purpose:
MRI-based cell tracking identifies the location of magnetically labeled cells with hypointense voxels. Here we demonstrate a strain-dependent effect of liver MRI background on the feasibility of MRI-based cell tracking of transplanted cells in the mouse liver.
Methods:
FVB mice (GFP-LUC and NOG) and C57BL/6 mice (GFP+ and wild-type) were fed 3 different diets with varying iron content. In vivo -weighted images and maps of the liver were acquired at different ages. Magnetically labeled cancer cells were injected intrasplenically for hepatic migration; then, mice were imaged by in vivo MRI and bioluminescence imaging. Livers were also imaged ex vivo by magnetic particle imaging.
Results:
increased with age in FVBNOG and FVBGFP-LUC mice that were fed diets sufficient in iron. FVBNOG mice developed a mottled appearance in their livers with age that did not occur in FVBGFP-LUC mice. was unchanging with age in C57BL/6GFP mice, and the liver remained bright and homogenous. Labeled cells were not detectable by MRI in some livers despite successful engraftment as shown by bioluminescence imaging and magnetic particle imaging.
Conclusion:
Strain, diet, and age are important considerations for MRI-based cell tracking in the liver. If a model with excessive liver iron must be used, alternative imaging methods such as magnetic particle imaging can be considered.
Insights
Liver MRI cell tracking is affected by mouse strain, diet, and age due to iron content. Alternative methods like magnetic particle imaging are useful when liver iron interferes with MRI detection of transplanted cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Cellular Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique used for tracking magnetically labeled cells in vivo.
- The presence of iron in the liver can create background signal that may interfere with MRI-based cell tracking.
- Understanding factors influencing MRI signal in the liver is crucial for accurate cell transplantation studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the strain-dependent effect of liver background on the feasibility of MRI-based cell tracking.
- To evaluate the impact of diet and age on liver iron content and its subsequent effect on MRI signal.
- To assess the detectability of transplanted cells using MRI in different mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized FVB and C57BL/6 mouse strains, including GFP-LUC, NOG, and wild-type variants.
- Administered diets with varying iron content and monitored mice at different ages.
- Injected magnetically labeled cancer cells intrasplenically for hepatic engraftment and performed in vivo MRI, bioluminescence imaging, and ex vivo magnetic particle imaging.
Main Results:
- Liver iron concentration () increased with age in iron-fed FVB mice, leading to a mottled liver appearance.
- C57BL/6 mice showed consistent, bright liver MR images regardless of age or diet.
- Transplanted cells were undetectable by MRI in some FVB livers despite successful engraftment confirmed by other imaging modalities.
Conclusions:
- Mouse strain, dietary iron, and age are critical factors influencing the success of liver MRI cell tracking.
- Excessive liver iron can hinder MRI-based cell detection, necessitating alternative imaging techniques.
- Magnetic particle imaging offers a viable alternative for cell tracking in high-iron liver environments.
