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Pyrroxamide, a nonionic nitroxyl spin label contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. Mutagenesis and cell

D G Gordon1, R C Brasch, M D Ogan

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0628.

Insights

Pyrroxamide, a novel MRI contrast agent, was evaluated for safety. Studies confirmed pyrroxamide and its metabolite are non-cytotoxic and non-mutagenic in mammalian cells at tested concentrations.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Pyrroxamide is a new nonionic monomeric nitroxyl compound.
  • It shows promise as an effective MRI contrast agent, even at low concentrations (10^-3 M).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of pyrroxamide and its hydroxylamine derivative.
  • To evaluate safety for potential use in medical imaging.

Main Methods:

  • Mammalian Chinese hamster ovary cells were used for testing.
  • Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity assays were performed across a concentration range (10^-9 to 10^-2 M).
  • Specific gene loci (HGPRT, Na+/K+ ATPase) and sister chromatid exchanges were examined, with and without metabolic activation (S-9 mix).

Main Results:

  • All cytotoxic and mutagenic assays yielded negative results.
  • Pyrroxamide demonstrated no significant impact on cell survival.
  • No induction of mutations or sister chromatid exchanges was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Pyrroxamide and its hydroxylamine derivative are non-cytotoxic.
  • Pyrroxamide and its hydroxylamine derivative are non-mutagenic at the tested doses.
  • These findings support the safety profile of pyrroxamide for potential MRI applications.

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