Open AccessMRI detection of endothelial cell inflammation using targeted superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (SPIO)
Author(s) -
Chan Joyce M. S.,
Cheung Maggie S. H.,
Gibbs Richard G. J.,
Bhakoo Kishore K.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical and translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 2001-1326
DOI - 10.1186/s40169-016-0134-1
Subject(s) - immunocytochemistry , inflammation , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , pathology , e selectin , endothelial stem cell , cell adhesion molecule , in vivo , biotinylation , tumor necrosis factor alpha , cell adhesion , in vitro , cell , immunology , chemistry , biology , radiology , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology
Background There is currently no clinical imaging technique available to assess the degree of inflammation associated with atherosclerotic plaques. This study aims to develop targeted superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (SPIO) as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe for detecting inflamed endothelial cells. Methods The in vitro study consists of the characterisation and detection of inflammatory markers on activated endothelial cells by immunocytochemistry and MRI using biotinylated anti‐P‐selectin and anti‐VCAM‐1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) antibody and streptavidin conjugated SPIO. Results Established an in vitro cellular model of endothelial inflammation induced with TNF‐α (tumor necrosis factor alpha). Inflammation of endothelial cells was confirmed with both immunocytochemistry and MRI. These results revealed both a temporal and dose dependent expression of the inflammatory markers, P‐selectin and VCAM‐1, on exposure to TNF‐α. Conclusion This study has demonstrated the development of an in vitro model to characterise and detect inflamed endothelial cells by immunocytochemistry and MRI. This will allow the future development of contrast agents and protocols for imaging vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis. This work may form the basis for a translational study to provide clinicians with a novel tool for the in vivo assessment of atherosclerosis.