In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of acute brain inflammation using microparticles of iron oxide

Martina A McAteer, Nicola R Sibson, Constantin von Zur Muhlen, Jurgen E Schneider, Andrew S Lowe, Nicholas Warrick, Keith M Channon, Daniel C Anthony, Robin P Choudhury

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

247 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that is associated with leukocyte recruitment and subsequent inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and its ligand, alpha4beta1 integrin, are key mediators of leukocyte recruitment, and selective inhibitors that bind to the alpha4 subunit of alpha4beta1 substantially reduce clinical relapse in multiple sclerosis. Urgently needed is a molecular imaging technique to accelerate diagnosis, to quantify disease activity and to guide specific therapy. Here we report in vivo detection of VCAM-1 in acute brain inflammation, by magnetic resonance imaging in a mouse model, at a time when pathology is otherwise undetectable. Antibody-conjugated microparticles carrying a large amount of iron oxide provide potent, quantifiable contrast effects that delineate the architecture of activated cerebral blood vessels. Their rapid clearance from blood results in minimal background contrast. This technology is adaptable to monitor the expression of endovascular molecules in vivo in various pathologies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1253-8
Number of pages6
JournalNature Medicine
Volume13
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2007

Keywords

  • Acute Disease
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Animals
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Mice
  • Microinjections
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Nanoparticles
  • Encephalitis
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Microchemistry
  • Neostriatum
  • Cell Line
  • Male

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of acute brain inflammation using microparticles of iron oxide'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this