High-contrast in vivo visualization of microvessels using novel FeCo/GC magnetic nanocrystals

Magn Reson Med. 2009 Dec;62(6):1497-509. doi: 10.1002/mrm.22132.

Abstract

FeCo-graphitic carbon shell nanocrystals are a novel MRI contrast agent with unprecedented high per-metal-atom-basis relaxivity (r(1) = 97 mM(-1) sec(-1), r(2) = 400 mM(-1) sec(-1)) and multifunctional capabilities. While the conventional gadolinium-based contrast-enhanced angiographic magnetic MRI has proven useful for diagnosis of vascular diseases, its short circulation time and relatively low sensitivity render high-resolution MRI of morphologically small vascular structures such as those involved in collateral, arteriogenic, and angiogenic vessel formation challenging. Here, by combining FeCo-graphitic carbon shell nanocrystals with high-resolution MRI technique, we demonstrate that such microvessels down to approximately 100 mum can be monitored in high contrast and noninvasively using a conventional 1.5-T clinical MRI system, achieving a diagnostic imaging standard approximating that of the more invasive X-ray angiography. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo toxicity study results also show no sign of toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cobalt / chemistry
  • Contrast Media / chemical synthesis*
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / chemical synthesis*
  • Graphite / chemistry
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Microvessels / anatomy & histology*
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Cobalt
  • Graphite
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide