Abstract
Site-directed contrast enhancement of angiogenic vessels in vivo was demonstrated using antibody targeting of an MRI contrast agent to the α(v)β3 integrin, a molecular marker characteristic of angiogenic endothelium. The agent was tested in a rabbit corneal micropocket model, in which neovasculature is induced in the cornea using basic fibroblast growth factor. The targeted contrast agent consists of Gd-perfluorocarbon nano-particles linked to α(v)β3 integrin antibody DM101. The animal group receiving the targeted contrast agent displayed a 25% increase in the average MR signal intensity after 90 min. Control groups in which the nanoparticles are either used alone, linked to an isotype-matched antibody, or linked to DM101 and administered following receptor blocking did not display MR contrast enhancement at similar dose levels. These findings indicate that the antibody-targeted agent enhances MR signal intensity in the capillary bed in a corneal micropocket model of angiogenesis, and is selectively retained within the angiogenic region via specific interaction with the α(v)β3 epitope. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 433-439 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Magnetic resonance in medicine |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- Angiogenesis
- Antibody targeting
- Contrast agent
- Corneal micropocket
- MRI