Triple Imaging with PARASHIFT Probes
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Translational and Clinical Res Institute
Abstract
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Organisations
Publications
| Description | We investigated the use of specific types of metals (lanthanide metals) placed at the core of larger molecules which could be used a contrast agents to enhance the information obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Contrast agents are in common use in MRI and normally work by an indirect detection method whereby the presence of the agent changes the strong MRI signal which comes from water in the tissue. The new part of this work is that we directly detect the contrast agent itself. The properties of this directly detected signal vary with factors such as the tissue acidity (pH) and temperature. We are able to then use the signals to measure the local pH and temperature in the tissue, which are important factors when assessing pathological tissue. We developed new MRI scanning sequences in combination with selecting different metal used in the core of the contrast molecule. We specifically worked with the metals Dysprosium, Terbium, Thulium and Erbium. The signals are extremely weak due to the low concentration of contrast agent which can be injected into living tissue and the agents are quickly removed from the tissue in the blood and excreted, making them very transient (lasting only 10-15 minutes). Although weak, the signals were easily detectable. We encountered significant challenges in making precise quantification of the pH from the signals due to interference from the large MRI signal arising from water. These challenges were partly overcome using new MRI scanning methods, but remained the limiting factor in further development of this type of approach. |
| Exploitation Route | The work conducted by our partners at Durham University (chemistry expertise and molecule synthesis) also revealed new fundamental understanding of NMR signal behaviour. The concept of responsive contrast agents based on lanthanide metal cores has been demonstrated and remains an interesting approach. The sensitivity threshold for detection needs to be improved by increasing the residence time in tissue to provide sufficient time for robust data collection. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |