Magnetic resonance imaging of nude mice with heterotransplanted high-grade squamous cell carcinomas: use of a low-loaded, covalently bound Gd-Hsa conjugate as contrast agent with high tumor affinity.

Abstract

RATIONALE:

Malignant tumors often show an increased uptake and metabolism of plasma proteins, especially albumin.

OBJECTIVES:

Determine whether the accumulation of low loaded Gd-albumin improves visualization of malignant tumors by MRI.

METHODS:

Twelve nude mice with heterotransplanted squamous cell carcinomas were studied. The signal intensity of tumor, blood, liver, kidney and muscle tissue was studied in MR images after application of Gd-albumin during a period of 144 hours. MRI results were histologically correlated after simultaneously injection of Gd- and fluorescein-labeled albumins in 9 nude mice.

RESULTS:

Although liver and kidney had a maximum increase in signal intensity within 30 minutes, tumors showed a delayed 51% increase in the 24 hours after application. Histologic and fluorescence evaluation demonstrated albumin localization in tumors predominantly in stroma and necroses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Gd-albumin is efficiently accumulated in SCC transplants. MRI with low loaded Gd-albumin may offer relevant opportunities for recognizing tumors sensitive to a therapy with cyostic drug-labeled albumins.

• Authors: F Kiessling, C Fink, M Hansen, M Bock, H Sinn, H H Schrenk, M Krix, T Egelhof, N E Fusenig, S Delorme
• Journal: Investigative radiology (Invest Radiol) Vol. 37 Issue 4 Pg. 193-8 (Apr 2002) ISSN: 0020-9996 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11923641 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Albumins
• Contrast Media
• albumin-(gadolinium-DTPA)
• Gadolinium DTPA
• Fluorescein

Topics

• Albumins (pharmacokinetics)
• Animals
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (metabolism, pathology)
• Contrast Media
• Fluorescein (pharmacokinetics)
• Gadolinium DTPA (pharmacokinetics)
• Kidney (metabolism)
• Liver (metabolism)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (methods)
• Mice
• Mice, Nude
• Muscles (metabolism)
• Neoplasm Transplantation
• Transplantation, Heterologous