Detecting Angiogenesis in Aortic Valve Disease Using MRI and Nanoparticles
Author Information
Author(s): Emily A Waters, Junjie Chen, John S Allen, Huiying Zhang, Gregory M Lanza, Samuel A Wickline
Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that ανβ3 integrin positive neovasculature would be present in sclerotic rabbit aortic valve leaflets, and that it could be detected noninvasively with MRI molecular imaging.
Conclusion
Integrin-targeted PFC nanoparticles specifically detect early angiogenesis in sclerotic aortic valves of cholesterol fed rabbits.
Supporting Evidence
- Valves of rabbits treated with targeted PFC nanoparticles had 220% more fluorine signal than valves of rabbits treated with untargeted PFC nanoparticles.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of neovasculature within the valve leaflets.
- Nanoparticles were successfully detected in all samples scanned at 3.0T.
Takeaway
Researchers used special nanoparticles to see new blood vessels in the hearts of rabbits with a disease, helping to understand heart problems better.
Methodology
New Zealand White rabbits were fed a cholesterol diet to induce aortic valve disease, then treated with either targeted or untargeted nanoparticles, followed by MRI/MRS imaging.
Limitations
The study was performed on ex vivo tissue, which may not fully represent in vivo conditions.
Participant Demographics
New Zealand White rabbits, with a total of 26 used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website