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01-12-2015 | Original Article

Feasibility of [18F]-RGD for ex vivo imaging of atherosclerosis in detection of αvβ3 integrin expression

Authors: Reza Golestani, MD, PhD, Leila Mirfeizi, PhD, Clark J. Zeebregts, MD, PhD, Johanna Westra, MD, PhD, Hans J. de Haas, BS, Andor W. J. M. Glaudemans, MD, Michel Koole, PhD, Gert Luurtsema, PhD, René A. Tio, MD, PhD, Rudi A. J. O. Dierckx, MD, PhD, Hendrikus H. Boersma, PharmD, PhD, Philip H. Elsinga, PhD, Riemer H. J. A. Slart, MD, PhD

Published in: Journal of Nuclear Cardiology | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Background

Inflammation and angiogenesis play an important role in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Therefore, molecular imaging of these processes could be used for determination of rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques. αvβ3 integrin is involved in the process of angiogenesis. Targeted imaging of αvβ3 integrin has been shown to be possible in previous studies on tumor models, using radiolabeled arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD). Our aim was to investigate feasibility of ex vivo detection of αvβ3 integrin in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens.

Methods and Results

Nineteen CEA specimens were incubated in 5 MBq [18F]-RGD-K5 for 1 hour followed by 1 hour emission microPET scan. The results were quantified in 4 mm wide segments as percent incubation dose per gram (%Inc/g). Segmental-to-total ratio was calculated and presence of αvβ3 integrin and endothelial cells in each segment was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for CD31 and αvβ3 integrin, respectively. [18F]-RGD-K5 uptake was heterogeneously distributed across CEA specimens and was localized within the vessel wall. Significant correlations were observed between segmental-to-total ratio with αvβ3 integrin staining score (r = 0.58, P = .038) and CD31 staining score (ρ = 0.67, P < .002).

Conclusion

This study showed the feasibility of integrin imaging by determination of αvβ3 integrin expression in human atherosclerotic plaques.

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Title: Feasibility of [18F]-RGD for ex vivo imaging of atherosclerosis in detection of αvβ3 integrin expression
Authors: Reza Golestani, MD, PhD
Leila Mirfeizi, PhD
Clark J. Zeebregts, MD, PhD
Johanna Westra, MD, PhD
Hans J. de Haas, BS
Andor W. J. M. Glaudemans, MD
Michel Koole, PhD
Gert Luurtsema, PhD
René A. Tio, MD, PhD
Rudi A. J. O. Dierckx, MD, PhD
Hendrikus H. Boersma, PharmD, PhD
Philip H. Elsinga, PhD
Riemer H. J. A. Slart, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Nuclear Cardiology / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 1071-3581
Electronic ISSN: 1532-6551
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12350-014-0061-8

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Feasibility of [18F]-RGD for ex vivo imaging of atherosclerosis in detection of αvβ3 integrin expression

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Conclusion

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