Micro-CT Based Experimental Liver Imaging Using a Nanoparticulate Contrast Agent: A Longitudinal Study in Mice
2011

Longitudinal Study of a Nanoparticulate Contrast Agent in Mice

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hanne Boll, Stefanie Nittka, Fabian Doyon, Michael Neumaier, Alexander Marx, Martin Kramer, Christoph Groden, Marc A. Brockmann

Primary Institution: Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany

Hypothesis

Can a nanoparticulate contrast agent provide long-lasting imaging of liver disease in mice?

Conclusion

The nanoparticulate contrast agents ExiTron nano 6000 and 12000 provide strong and prolonged contrast for imaging the liver and other organs in small animals.

Supporting Evidence

  • The contrast of liver and spleen peaked after 4–8 hours and lasted for several months.
  • ExiTron nano facilitated detection of liver metastases.
  • The study demonstrated the feasibility of longitudinal monitoring of liver lesions.

Takeaway

This study shows that a special type of contrast agent can help doctors see liver problems in mice for a long time after just one injection.

Methodology

Mice were injected with two formulations of a nanoparticulate contrast agent and underwent repeated micro-CT imaging over six months.

Limitations

The study was conducted only in mice, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other species.

Participant Demographics

C57BL/6J mice were used in the study.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025692

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