Ultra-sensitive molecular MRI of cerebrovascular cell activation enables early detection of chronic central nervous system disorders

A Montagne, M Gauberti, R Macrez, A Jullienne… - Neuroimage, 2012 - Elsevier
A Montagne, M Gauberti, R Macrez, A Jullienne, A Briens, JS Raynaud, G Louin, A Buisson
Neuroimage, 2012Elsevier
Since endothelial cells can be targeted by large contrast-carrying particles, molecular
imaging of cerebrovascular cell activation is highly promising to evaluate the underlying
inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we aimed to demonstrate
that molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cerebrovascular cell activation can
reveal CNS disorders in the absence of visible lesions and symptoms. To this aim, we
optimized contrast carrying particles targeting vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and MRI …
Since endothelial cells can be targeted by large contrast-carrying particles, molecular imaging of cerebrovascular cell activation is highly promising to evaluate the underlying inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cerebrovascular cell activation can reveal CNS disorders in the absence of visible lesions and symptoms. To this aim, we optimized contrast carrying particles targeting vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and MRI protocols through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Although, pre-contrast MRI images failed to reveal the ongoing pathology, contrast-enhanced MRI revealed hypoperfusion-triggered CNS injury in vascular dementia, unmasked amyloid-induced cerebrovascular activation in Alzheimer's disease and allowed monitoring of disease activity during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, contrast-enhanced MRI revealed the cerebrovascular cell activation associated with known risk factors of CNS disorders such as peripheral inflammation, ethanol consumption, hyperglycemia and aging. By providing a dramatically higher sensitivity than previously reported methods and molecular contrast agents, the technology described in the present study opens new avenues of investigation in the field of neuroinflammation.
Elsevier