Published in:
01-08-2013 | Research Article
MRI of ICAM-1 Upregulation After Stroke: the Importance of Choosing the Appropriate Target-Specific Particulate Contrast Agent
Authors:
Lisette H. Deddens, Geralda A. F. van Tilborg, Annette van der Toorn, Kajo van der Marel, Leonie E. M. Paulis, Louis van Bloois, Gert Storm, Gustav J. Strijkers, Willem J. M. Mulder, Helga E. de Vries, Rick M. Dijkhuizen
Published in:
Molecular Imaging and Biology
|
Issue 4/2013
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Abstract
Purpose
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with targeted contrast agents provides a promising means for diagnosis and treatment monitoring after cerebrovascular injury. Our goal was to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to detect the neuroinflammatory biomarker intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) after stroke and to establish a most efficient imaging procedure.
Procedures
We compared two types of ICAM-1-functionalized contrast agent: T
1-shortening gadolinium chelate-containing liposomes and T
2
(*)-shortening micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIO). Binding efficacy and MRI contrast effects were tested in cell cultures and a mouse stroke model.
Results
Both ICAM-1-targeted agents bound effectively to activated cerebrovascular cells in vitro, generating significant MRI contrast-enhancing effects. Direct in vivo MRI-based detection after stroke was only achieved with ICAM-1-targeted MPIO, although both contrast agents showed similar target-specific vascular accumulation.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrates the potential of in vivo MRI of post-stroke ICAM-1 upregulation and signifies target-specific MPIO as most suitable contrast agent for molecular MRI of cerebrovascular inflammation.