In vivo MRI tracking of exogenous monocytes/macrophages targeting brain tumors in a rat model of glioma

Neuroimage. 2008 Apr 1;40(2):973-83. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.01.005.

Abstract

This study has shown that murine monocytes/macrophages (Mo/Ma) can be labeled simply and efficiently with large, green-fluorescent, micrometer-sized particles of iron-oxide (MPIO). Neither size nor proliferation rate of the Mo/Ma is significantly affected by this labeling. The labeled Mo/Ma have been administered intravenously to rats that had developed a glioma following stereotactic injection of C6 cells. The labeled Mo/Ma were shown to target the brain tumors, a process that could be monitored non-invasively using T2*-weighted MRI. MRI observations were confirmed by Prussian blue staining, lectin staining and fluorescence histology. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the use of Mo/Ma may be envisaged in the clinic for vectorizing therapeutic agents toward gliomas.

Publication types

  • Corrected and Republished Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Ferric Compounds*
  • Glioma / pathology*
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Macrophages*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Monocytes*
  • Particle Size
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • ferric oxide