New contrast agents in MRI

USPIO Labeling in Rat Brain Ischemia

These data were acquired using a BioSpec® 4.7T.
 

In the past, visualization of immune competent cells was only possible by histological analysis of post-mortem tissue. Contrast agents based on small particles of iron oxide are known to accumulate in organs rich in cells with phagocytotic function. These particles can be tracked in vivo by MRI methods based on their relaxation properties.
 

Images show USPIO contrast based on accumulation of labeled phagocytic cells on an infarcted region. T2 image contrast (left column) and USPIO contrast (right column) enhanced MRI of the rat brain immediately (top) and one day after ischemic insult (bottom).
 

USPIO Labeling in Rat Brain Ischemia

Copyright and courtesy of M. Rausch et al.
Novartis Pharma AG Basel, Switzerland