Aims and objectives
Advanced imaging methods can play an increasing role in preclinical studies.
Microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT)offers excellent resolution,
but has been restricted to the analysis of x-ray attenuating tissues like bone.
The soft tissue contrast resolution is insufficient for detailed analysis.
To improve the visualization of abdominal organs,
exogenous contrast agents can beused.
In combination with an appropriate contrast agent,
micro-CT imaging can be an interesting tool in serial imaging of small animal models.
Gold has higher absorption than iodine,
archiving better contrast.
Nanoparticles clear the blood...
Methods and materials
Healthy C57bl/6 mice (n=2) were used.
Anesthesia was induced with 5% isoflurane and maintained at 2% during the scan with spontaneous breathing via a mask.
Aurovist (Nanoprobes,
New York,
USA) was administered intravenously at a dose of 200 µl.
Aurovist is a contrast agent containing gold nanoparticles.
Imaging was performed using micro-CT (SkyScan 1178 micro-CT system; Bruker MicroCT,
Kontich,
Belgium) at a resolution of 83 µm.
The total acquisition time was 6 min.
Each animal underwent a micro-CT scan before contrast injection,
immediately after contrast...
Results
Our results demonstrate that Aurovist contrast enhancement of the liver and spleen reaches a maximum at 48h.
Enhancement in the heart lasts for at least 6h.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that Aurovist is a promising contrast agent for preclinical micro-CT imaging of the vasculature.
References
Willekens I.,
Lahoutte T.,
Buls N.,
Vanhove C.,
Deklerck R.,
Bossuyt A.,
de Mey J.
Time-course of contrast enhancement in spleen and liver with Exia 160,
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Willekens I.,
Buls N.,
Lahoutte T.,
Baeyens L.,
Vanhove C.,
Caveliers V.,
Deklerck R.,
Bossuyt A.,
de Mey J.
Evaluation of the radiation dose in micro-CT with optimization of the scan protocol.Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging, 2010 ; 5 (4) : 201-207
Willekens I.,
Buls...