ICAM-1 expression in autoimmune encephalitis visualized using magnetic resonance imaging.
The expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules in the intact brains of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) was visualized by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) through the use of a new, target-specific MR contrast agent. Antibody-conjugated paramagnetic liposomes (ACPLs) were designed to achieve in vivo targeting of molecules expressed on vascular endothelium, while providing sufficient signal enhancement at these sites for detection by MRI. ACPLs targeted to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), an endothelial leukocyte receptor upregulated on cerebral microvasculature during EAE, were administered to diseased mice. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed that fluorescently-tagged ACPLs were localized to central nervous system (CNS) microvasculature in a pattern consistent with ICAM-1 upregulation described immunohistochemically. High resolution MRI of mouse brains ex vivo demonstrated that ACPL binding conferred significant enhancement of signal intensity (SI) as compared to control images. These results suggest that ACPLs can be used as MRI contrast agents to visualize specific molecules expressed on vascular endothelium during disease.
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Related Subject Headings
- Tissue Distribution
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Liposomes
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
- Gadolinium
- Endothelium, Vascular
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Tissue Distribution
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Liposomes
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
- Gadolinium
- Endothelium, Vascular