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Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Depletion and Reconstitution of Macrophages in Mice
Published on: August 1, 2012
The Effect of Magnetic Field Gradient and Gadolinium-Based MRI Contrast Agent Dotarem on Mouse Macrophages
Priyanka Chanana1, Ahmed Uosef1,2, Nicole Vaughn1
1The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in diagnostic medicine. MRI uses the static magnetic field to polarize nuclei spins, fast-switching magnetic field gradients to generate temporal and spatial resolution, and radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic waves to control the spin orientation. All these forms of magnetic static and electromagnetic RF fields interact with human tissue and cells. However, reports on the MRI technique's effects on the cells and human body are often inconsistent or contradictory. In both research and clinical MRI, recent progress in improving sensitivity and resolution is associated with the increased magnetic field strength of MRI magnets. Additionally, to improve the contrast of the images, the MRI technique often employs contrast agents, such as gadolinium-based Dotarem, with effects on cells and organs that are still disputable and not fully understood. Application of higher magnetic fields requires revisiting previously observed or potentially possible bio-effects. This article focuses on the influence of a static magnetic field gradient with and without a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent (Dotarem) and the cellular and molecular effects of Dotarem on macrophages.
Insights
This study investigates the biological effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fields and gadolinium-based contrast agents on cells. It examines the impact of static magnetic field gradients and Dotarem on macrophages, clarifying potential bio-effects.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes static magnetic fields, gradients, and radiofrequency waves, interacting with biological tissues.
- Increasing MRI magnetic field strength and contrast agent use (e.g., gadolinium-based Dotarem) necessitate understanding potential bio-effects.
- Existing research on MRI's cellular and systemic effects presents inconsistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent (Dotarem) on macrophages.
- To investigate the influence of static magnetic field gradients, with and without Dotarem, on cellular responses.
- To address inconsistencies in reported bio-effects of MRI techniques.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of macrophages to static magnetic field gradients.
- Co-exposure of macrophages to magnetic field gradients and Dotarem.
- Assessment of cellular and molecular responses following exposure.
Main Results:
- The study details the specific cellular and molecular alterations observed in macrophages.
- Results elucidate the impact of Dotarem and magnetic field gradients on macrophage behavior.
- Findings contribute to a clearer understanding of MRI-related bio-effects.
Conclusions:
- Gadolinium-based contrast agents like Dotarem may induce specific cellular and molecular changes in macrophages.
- Static magnetic field gradients, particularly when combined with contrast agents, warrant further investigation for their bio-effects.
- This research provides crucial data for assessing the safety and efficacy of advanced MRI techniques.
