Magnetomotive optical coherence tomography for the assessment of atherosclerotic lesions using ?v?3 integrin-targeted microspheres.

ABSTRACT: PURPOSE:We investigated the early-stage fatty streaks/plaques detection using magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (MM-OCT) in conjunction with ?v?3 integrin-targeted magnetic microspheres (MSs). The targeting of functionalized MSs was investigated by perfusing ex vivo aortas from an atherosclerotic rabbit model in a custom-designed flow chamber at physiologically relevant pulsatile flow rates and pressures. PROCEDURES:Aortas were extracted and placed in a flow chamber. Magnetic MS contrast agents were perfused through the aortas and MM-OCT, fluorescence confocal, and bright field microscopy were performed on the ex vivo aorta specimens for localizing the MSs. RESULTS:The results showed a statistically significant and stronger MM-OCT signal (3.30?±?1.73 dB) from the aorta segment perfused with targeted MSs, compared with the nontargeted MSs (1.18?±?0.94 dB) and control (0.78?±?0.41 dB) aortas. In addition, there was a good co-registration of MM-OCT signals with confocal microscopy. CONCLUSIONS:Early-stage fatty streaks/plaques have been successfully detected using MM-OCT in conjunction with ?v?3 integrin-targeted magnetic MSs.

SUBMITTER: Kim J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4495956 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature