Optical imaging of matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity in tumors: feasibility study in a mouse model.

PURPOSE: To develop an optical imaging method to determine the expression level of tumoral matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An optical contrast agent was developed that was highly activatable by means of MMP-2-induced conversion. Signal characteristics of the probe were quantified ex vivo with a recombinant enzyme. Animal tumor models were established with MMP-2-positive (human fibrosarcoma cell line, n = 4) and MMP-2-negative (well-differentiated mammary adenocarcinoma, n = 4) tumor cell lines. Both tumors were implanted into nude mice and were optically imaged after intravenous administration of the MMP-2-sensitive probe. RESULTS: The MMP-2-sensitive probe was activated by MMP-2 in vitro, producing up to an 850% increase in near-infrared fluorescent signal intensity. This activation could be blocked by MMP-2 inhibitors. MMP-2-positive tumors were easily identified as high-signal-intensity regions as early as 1 hour after intravenous injection of the MMP-2 probe, while contralateral MMP-2-negative tumors showed little to no signal intensity. A nonspecific control probe showed little to no activation in MMP-2-positive tumors. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to image MMP-2 enzyme activity in vivo by using near-infrared optical imaging technology and "smart" matrix metalloproteinase-sensitive probes.     

宽视场荧光内镜的构建及其初步应用

 目的 为探索胃癌分子成像技术的新方法,构建一套新型灵活的宽视场荧光内镜系统,并用于裸鼠胃癌移植瘤模型荧光成像研究。方法 通过合理的光路设计及光学组件机加工,装配宽视场荧光内镜系统,通过对不同浓度的2-DG-750荧光探针进行成像,分析系统性能;对尾静脉注射100 μl 2-DG-750荧光探针的裸鼠胃癌移植瘤模型进行在体荧光成像,对ROI的像素值和成像图进行分析。结果 体外成像ROI的像素值与荧光探针浓度存在较好的线性回归关系,在2-DG-750剂量为31.3 pmol时,该系统即可检测到荧光信号,提示该系统灵敏性好;在体成像显示用该系统联合2-DG-750荧光探针观察到了肿瘤组织的较高荧光信号强度。结论 宽视场荧光内镜系统具有很好的灵敏性,可以同时实现白光及荧光的双模式成像,具有实现光学分子成像诊断胃癌的潜在应用价值。     

Catheter-based in vivo imaging of enzyme activity and gene expression: feasibility study in mice

PURPOSE: To construct and evaluate an interventional catheter-based imaging system for intravital monitoring of molecularly sensitive near-infrared fluorescent probes and optical marker genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An imaging device that was based on a miniaturized fiberoptic sensor (MIFS) was built in which images created with a 2.7-F fiberoptic catheter were relayed through a dichroic mirror, through a bandpass filter, and on two independent cameras. This system permitted simultaneous recording of white-light and fluorescent images. Spatial resolution, spectral transmissions, and sensitivity were determined in vitro. In vivo testing was performed in nude mice bearing intraperitoneal tumors that express green fluorescent protein and in a mouse model of ovarian carcinoma with enzyme-activatable near-infrared probes sensitive to tumoral protease activity. Signal intensity on images of tumors and that on images of normal tissue were measured and compared with t test. RESULTS: The catheter, which was advanced through an 18-gauge sheath, showed resolution of 7 line pairs per millimeter and detection limit for fluorochrome Cy5.5 of 1-10 pmol. Detection of endogenous green fluorescent protein gene expression was feasible in tumor nodules smaller than 1 mm in diameter (mean tumor signal intensity, 153.26 +/- 26.45 [SD], compared with that of adjacent nontumoral tissue of 36.73 +/- 11.69; P <.008). Similarly, activation of the near-infrared probe by tumoral proteases could be detected in peritoneal tumor seeds of ovarian cancer model with mean tumor signal intensity of 246.33 +/- 7.77 compared with that of adjacent nontumoral tissue of 41.56 +/- 18.64 (P <.001). Mean contrast-to-noise ratio in the near-infrared channel exceeded white-light contrast-to-noise ratio by a factor of 6.7 (P <.02). CONCLUSION: With this system, in vivo MIFS imaging of gene expression, enzyme activity, and potentially other molecular events is feasible, through direct interventional access to several organs and body cavities and potentially through transvascular approaches.     

Dual optical and nuclear imaging in human melanoma xenografts using a single targeted imaging probe

INTRODUCTION: Dual-labeled imaging agents that allow both nuclear and optical imaging after a single injection would be advantageous in certain applications. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a dual-labeled RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide and compared nuclear and optical images obtained with this agent. METHODS: 111In-DTPA-Lys(IRDye800)-c(KRGDf) composed of both the 111In chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye IRDye800 (excitation/emission, 765/792 nm) was synthesized. The probe was characterized with regard to in vitro biological activity and in vivo pharmacokinetics and the ability to target integrin alphavbeta3. Tumors of mice injected with the dual-labeled probe were imaged both by gamma scintigraphy and NIR fluorescence optical camera. RESULTS: DTPA-Lys(IRDye800)-c(KRGDf), DTPA-Lys-c(KRGDf) and c(KRGDf) inhibited the adhesion of melanoma M21 cells to vitronectin-coated surface with the similar biological activity. Both 111In-DTPA-Lys(IRDye800)-c(KRGDf) and 111In-DTPA-Lys-c(KRGDf) had significantly higher uptakes in alphavbeta3-positive M21 melanoma than in alphavbeta3-negative M21-L melanoma at 4-48 h after their injection. Side-by-side comparison of images obtained using 111In-DTPA-Lys(IRDye800)-c(KRGDf) revealed that in living mice, both optical imaging and gamma scintigraphy enabled noninvasive detection of the bound probe to alphavbeta3-positive tumors, with optical images providing improved resolution and sensitive detection of the superficial lesions and gamma images providing sensitive detection of deeper structures. CONCLUSION: The dual-labeled imaging probe 111In-DTPA-Lys(IRDye800)-c(KRGDf) was found to specifically bind to alphavbeta3 in melanoma tumor cells. Employing both nuclear and optical imaging with a single imaging probe may facilitate translation of NIR fluorescence optical imaging into clinical applications.     

Imaging of differential protease expression in breast cancers for detection of aggressive tumor phenotypes

PURPOSE: To determine if different expression levels of tumor cathepsin-B activity in well differentiated and undifferentiated breast cancers could be revealed in vivo with optical imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A well differentiated human breast cancer (BT20, n = 8) and a highly invasive metastatic human breast cancer (DU4475, n = 8) were implanted orthotopically in athymic nude mice. Tumor-bearing animals were examined in vivo with near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging 24 hours after intravenous injection of an enzyme-sensing imaging probe. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting (on cells and whole tumor samples), and correlative fluorescence microscopy were performed. RESULTS: Both types of breast cancers activated the NIRF probe so that tumors became readily detectable. However, in tumors of equal size, there was a 1.5-fold higher fluorescence signal in the highly invasive breast cancer (861 arbitrary units +/- 88) compared with the well differentiated lesion (566 arbitrary units +/- 36, P <.01). Western blotting confirmed a higher cathepsin-B protein content in the highly invasive breast cancer (DU4475) of about 1.4-fold (whole tumor samples) to 1.7-fold (cells). Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy findings confirmed the imaging findings. CONCLUSION: Cathepsin-B enzyme activity can be determined in vivo with NIRF optical imaging, while differences in tumoral expression may correlate with tumor aggressiveness.     

Optical imaging of spontaneous breast tumors using protease sensing 'smart' optical probes

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if spontaneous breast cancer lesions can be detected by fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) and fluorescence mediated tomography (FMT) using protease-sensing optical probes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transgenic (FVB/N-TgN (WapHRAS)69Lin Y)) mice, which spontaneously develop breast cancer, were injected intravenously with a cathepsin-sensing fluorescent imaging probe. FRI and FMT were performed 24 hours after probe injection and region of interest (ROI) analysis was performed. Magnetic resonance images were acquired for anatomic coregistration with the FMT data. Moreover, correlative immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy were performed. RESULTS: All tumor nodules were clearly delineated by FRI showing an average signal intensity of 380 +/- 106 AU. Similarly, tumors were clearly detected by FMT imaging. Immunohistochemistry confirmed cathepsin-B expression of primary tumors and fluorescence microscopy revealed a strong Cy 5.5 deposition in the tissue. CONCLUSIONS: FRI and FMT using "smart" protease sensing probes permits detection of experimental spontaneous breast cancers. Because the expression levels of various proteases correlate with patient outcome, this technique may not only help to detect, but also to differentiate breast cancers noninvasively.     

Tomographic fluorescence imaging of tumor vascular volume in mice

PURPOSE: To prospectively determine the feasibility of imaging vascular volume fraction (VVF) and its therapeutic inhibition in mouse models of cancer with three-dimensional fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All studies were approved by the institutional animal review committee and were in accordance with National Institutes of Health guidelines. CT26 colon tumor-bearing mice were imaged with FMT after intravenous administration of long-circulating near-infrared fluorescent blood-pool agents optimized for two nonoverlapping excitation wavelengths (680 and 750 nm). A total of 58 mice were used for imaging VVF to evaluate the following: (a) differences in ectopically and orthotopically implanted tumors (n = 10), (b) cohorts of mice (n = 24) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, (c) serial imaging in same animal to determine natural course of angiogenesis (n = 4), and (d) dose response to anti-VEGF therapy (n = 20). To compare groups receiving antiangiogenic chemotherapy, analysis of variance was used. RESULTS: Fluorochrome concentrations derived from FMT measurements were reconstructed with an accuracy of +/-10% at 680 nm and +/-7% at 750 nm and in a depth-independent manner, unlike at reflectance imaging. FMT measurements of vascular fluorescent probes were linear, with concentration over several orders of magnitude (r > 0.98). VVFs of colonic tumors, which varied considerably among animals (3.5% +/- 1.5 [standard deviation]), could be depicted with in vivo imaging in three dimensions with less than 5 minutes of imaging and less than 3 minutes of analysis. The natural course of angiogenesis and its inhibition could be reliably imaged and depicted serially in different experimental setups. CONCLUSION: FMT is a tomographic optical imaging technique that, in conjunction with appropriate fluorescent probes, allows quantitative visualization of biologic processes.     

ICG纳米探针在早期结肠癌诊断中的应用及其价值

 

目的 评估ICG纳米探针在结肠癌荧光分子成像中的靶向性、荧光效应及其早期诊断价值。方法 建立裸鼠结肠癌皮下移植瘤模型,应用人血清白蛋白(HSA)包裹的ICG纳米探针,并以Folate RsenseTM680、吲哚菁绿作为对照组,经裸鼠结肠癌皮下移植瘤模型尾静脉注射探针后,进行活体荧光分子成像,观察HAS-ICG纳米探针的成像效果,量化分析肿瘤部位的荧光信号强度。结果 活体荧光分子成像结果显示:探针HAS-ICG、Folate RsenseTM680均在实验瘤鼠皮下肿瘤部位出现浓聚,浓聚高峰分别在注射后1 h、24 h。与对照组相比,HAS-ICG纳米探针比商业探针有较好的靶向标记性和信噪比。结论 HSA-ICG纳米探针具有很好的标记HCT116结肠肿瘤细胞的能力,可通过荧光分子成像技术诊断早期裸鼠结肠癌变。

     

Quantitative real-time catheter-based fluorescence molecular imaging in mice

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate an optical imaging system designed to perform quantitative, intravital catheter-based imaging of fluorescent molecular probes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed according to a protocol approved by the institutional animal care committee. A fiberoptic catheter imaging system was developed to implement a normalization algorithm for real-time quantitative near-infrared (NIR) imaging. The system was validated with in vitro imaging of fluorochrome phantoms and in vivo fluorescence measurements obtained in tumors implanted in murine abdomens (n = 7) after administration of an enzyme-activatable NIR probe. Standard analysis of variance tests were used to determine significant dissimilarities in signal from distinct fluorochrome concentrations. The clinical utility of the system was further evaluated by imaging orthotopically implanted murine colonic adenocarcinomas (n = 4). RESULTS: Raw NIR fluorescence intensities, which were measured with a fiberoptic catheter placed above wells of varying NIR fluorochrome concentration, varied markedly (>100%) with catheter position, while the corrected NIR signal was confined to a range of values within 10% of their mean for each individual fluorochrome concentration and were significantly distinct (P < .001) between relevant concentration ranges. Similar results were observed for the in vivo measurements from the abdominally implanted tumors, with raw NIR signal varying 20% from the mean and corrected NIR signal varying only 1% from the mean. The colonic studies revealed that the correction method was robust enough for use during minimally invasive imaging procedures. CONCLUSION: The authors have developed and implemented a method for quantitative real-time catheter-based fluorescence imaging that resolves NIR signal dependence on changes in catheter position.     

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging of microcalcification in an animal model of breast cancer

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: At present, there is no animal model of breast cancer that forms reproducible microcalcification. The aim of this study was to develop a straightforward, reproducible model system that could be used to develop multimodality contrast agents for the identification of breast cancer microcalcification. METHODS: The R3230 mammary adenocarcinoma cell line was implanted in the mammary fat pad of female Fischer 344 rats (two rats with two implanted tumors and two rats with a single implanted tumor). After growth to 1-2 cm in diameter, tumors were implanted with 100 microm hydroxyapatite crystals (positive control) or calcium oxalate crystals (negative control). Twenty-four hours after crystal implantation, rats were injected intravenously with a previously described near-infrared fluorescent bisphosphonate derivative known as Pam78, and the tumors were imaged using a reflectance optical imaging system. RESULTS: Tumors implanted with hydroxyapatite displayed bright, focal, near-infrared fluorescence in the area of crystal implantation. Control tumors, grown in the same animal and implanted with calcium oxalate, did not display any near-infrared fluorescence, even along the needle track used for crystal implantation. CONCLUSIONS: A simple and rapid animal model of focal calcification in breast cancer tumors has been developed and validated. The model used Pam78, a near-infrared fluorescent contrast agent specific for hydroxyapatite. The potential usefulness of the model for developing similar contrast agents for magnetic resonance and other imaging modalities is discussed.     

裸鼠胃癌移植瘤的近红外荧光成像

目的：通过对非特异性探针Cy5.5在裸鼠体内分布及显像研究,探讨近红外荧光成像对胃癌的早期诊断及动态监测价值。方法：用MGC-803细胞株建立胃癌动物模型,进行早期、实时活体及离体显像实验。结果：近红外荧光成像可检测早期胃癌移植瘤的平均大小为2.807mm×3.045mm,与游标卡尺测得的肿瘤大小呈直线相关,r=0.924,P〈0.05。Cy5.5主要分布在肿瘤组织,主要代谢器官为肾脏;注入探针30min后,裸鼠肿瘤部位成像清晰,荧光寿命、荧光强度均高于对照部位（P〈0.05）。60min后,肿瘤区的荧光强度始高于血液（P〈0.05）。90min时达峰值。肿瘤部位的平均荧光寿命为（3.1376±0.9894）ns,明显高于对侧部位（P〈0.05）。结论：近红外荧光成像可用于胃癌的早期诊断及瘤体的动态监测。     

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging of lymph nodes using a new enzyme sensing activatable macromolecular optical probe

The aim of this study was to validate the use of near infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) using enzyme-sensitive optical probes for lymph node detection. An optical contrast probe that is activated by cystein proteases, such as cathepsin B, was used to visualize lymph nodes by NIRF reflectance imaging. In order to quantitate the uptake of the optical probe in lymphatic tissue, the biodistribution was assessed using the Indium-111 labeled optical probe. Sixteen Balb-c mice were injected either intravenously (i.v.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) with the NIRF-probe (2 mol cyanine (Cy)/animal; i.v., n=10; s.c., n=6) and imaged 24 h after injection. Signal intensities and target-to-background ratios of various lymph nodes were measured by manual regions of interest (ROIs). Additional signal intensity measurements were performed of excised lymph nodes (n=21) from i.v. injected mice (24 h after injection) and compared with excised lymph nodes (n=8) of non-injected mice. The probe employed in this study was lymphotropic with approximately 3–4% accumulation in lymph nodes (3.4±0.8% ID/g). Measurements of the excised lymph nodes (after i.v. injection) confirmed a significant increase in lymph node fluorescence signal from baseline 26±7.6 arbitary units (AU) to 146±10.9 AU (p<0.0001). A significant increase in lymph node fluorescence signal was also seen in vivo throughout the body after i.v. injection (96±7.8 AU) and/or regionally after s.c. injection (141±11.5 AU) in comparison with baseline autofluorescence (26±7.6 AU). Target-to-background ratio was significantly higher after s.c. injection (6.6%±0.81) compared with i.v. injection (4.8±0.67%). Detection and visualization of lymph nodes is feasible by NIRF imaging using a cystein-protease sensitive optical probe.     

Novel receptor-targeted fluorescent contrast agents for in vivo tumor imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel tumor receptor-specific small-peptide-near-infrared dye conjugate for tumor detection by optical imaging. METHODS: A novel, near-infrared dye-peptide conjugate was synthesized and evaluated for tumor-targeting efficacy in a well-characterized rat tumor model (CA20948) known to express receptors for the chosen peptide. A simple continuous-wave optical imaging system, consisting of a near-infrared laser diode, a cooled CCD camera, and an interference filter, was used in this study. RESULTS: Tumor retention of two non-tumor-specific dyes, indocyanine green and its derivatized analogue, bis-propanoic acid cyanine dye (cypate), was negligible. In contrast, the receptor-specific peptide-cypate conjugate (cytate) was retained in the CA20948 tumor, with an excellent tumor-tonormal-tissue ratio in the six rats examined. CONCLUSIONS: Optical detection of tumors with a receptor-targeted fluorescent contrast agent has been demonstrated. This result represents a new direction in cancer diagnosis and patient management.     

Fluorescence imaging analysis of distribution of indocyanine green in molecular and nanoform in tumor model

BackgroundThe efficient intraoperative identification of tumors requires the development of highly specific near-infrared (NIR) probes as contrast agents. One of the most effective dyes existing in clinic oncology is Indocyanine Green (ICG). However, ICG has a rapid excretion, thus ruling out its extended accumulation in pathological tissues therefore limiting its clinical applications. ICG colloid solution (ICG NPs) consists predominantly of J-aggregates and to a lesser extent of H-aggregates and monomers. In the present study we assessed the spectral properties of ICG nanoforms in preclinical models.MethodsWe used optical spectroscopy and video fluorescence navigation to monitor accumulation and distribution of ICG monomers and ICG NPs in various tissues in mice with xenografted laryngopharyngeal carcinoma after intravenous drugs injection.ResultsAfter i.v. injection, the molecular form of ICG was not retained in the tumor and its circulation cycle averaged 5 min. Alternatively, the nanoform of the drug had a different pharmacokinetics, reaching maximum accumulation 24 h after intravenous injection. Moreover, once in the circulation, we observed a progressive accumulation in the tumor of both ICG H-aggregates and ICG monomers, but not J-aggregates.ConclusionSpectral characteristics of ICG NPs indicated the presence of several fractions, namely, J- and H-aggregates along with molecular forms. These fractions had different fluorescence spectra, allowing us to track the transformation of the drug in vivo conditions. After ICG NPs administration, J-aggregates induce accumulation of monomeric forms in the tumor, enabling extended intraoperative diagnostic, and as such further studies of J-aggregates for theranostic applications in oncological surgery are of great interest.     

Colloidal gold nanoparticles as a blood-pool contrast agent for X-ray computed tomography in mice

OBJECTIVES: To present the pharmacokinetics and computed tomographic imaging efficacy of colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a blood-pool agent for x-ray computed tomography (CT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: To prepare the colloidal AuNPs, gold nanocrystals were modified using sulfhydrated polyethylene glycol (PEG). Cytotoxicity and histopathologic tests were carried out for toxicity evaluation. Six adult Balb/c mice underwent microcomputed tomography scans after injection of colloidal AuNPs (2.5 micromol Au/g body weight). Four mice with HT-1080 tumors were imaged for visualization of the tumor vasculature. RESULTS: The PEG coated colloidal AuNPs appeared as spherical nanoparticles with 38-nm diameters. The AuNPs-PEG showed a biocompatibility without toxicity in the mice. We identified a stable imaging window for visualizing the vasculature system, immediately to 24 hours after injection. Microcomputed tomography imaging using AuNPs-PEG clearly visualized the tumor vascular structures. CONCLUSION: Colloidal AuNPs show potential as a blood-pool agent for x-ray CT imaging.     

A minimally invasive multimodality image-guided (MIMIG) system for peripheral lung cancer intervention and diagnosis

BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with more than half of the cancers are located peripherally. Computed tomography (CT) has been utilized in the last decade to detect early peripheral lung cancer. However, due to the high false diagnosis rate of CT, further biopsy is often necessary to confirm cancerous cases. This renders intervention for peripheral lung nodules (especially for small peripheral lung cancer) difficult and time-consuming, and it is highly desirable to develop new, on-the-spot earlier lung cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.PurposeThe objective of this study is to develop a minimally invasive multimodality image-guided (MIMIG) intervention system to detect lesions, confirm small peripheral lung cancer, and potentially guide on-the-spot treatment at an early stage. Accurate image guidance and real-time optical imaging of nodules are thus the key techniques to be explored in this work.MethodsThe MIMIG system uses CT images and electromagnetic (EM) tracking to help interventional radiologists target the lesion efficiently. After targeting the lesion, a fiber-optic probe coupled with optical molecular imaging contrast agents is used to confirm the existence of cancerous tissues on-site at microscopic resolution. Using the software developed, pulmonary vessels, airways, and nodules can be segmented and visualized for surgical planning; the segmented results are then transformed onto the intra-procedural CT for interventional guidance using EM tracking. Endomicroscopy through a fiber-optic probe is then performed to visualize tumor tissues. Experiments using IntegriSense 680 fluorescent contrast agent labeling α_vβ₃ integrin were carried out for rabbit lung cancer models. Confirmed cancers could then be treated on-the-spot using radio-frequency ablation (RFA).ResultsThe prototype system is evaluated using the rabbit VX2 lung cancer model to evaluate the targeting accuracy, guidance efficiency, and performance of molecular imaging. Using this system, we achieved an average targeting accuracy of 3.04 mm, and the IntegriSense signals within the VX2 tumors were found to be at least two-fold higher than those of normal tissues. The results demonstrate great potential for applying the system in human trials in the future if an optical molecular imaging agent is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).ConclusionsThe MIMIG system was developed for on-the-spot interventional diagnosis of peripheral lung tumors by combining image-guidance and molecular imaging. The system can be potentially applied to human trials on diagnosing and treating earlier stage lung cancer. For current clinical applications, where a biopsy is unavoidable, the MIMIG system without contrast agents could be used for biopsy guidance to improve the accuracy and efficiency.     

Fluorescence reflectance imaging of macrophage-rich atherosclerotic plaques using an alphavbeta3 integrin-targeted fluorochrome

Macrophages play an important role during the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. alphavbeta3 integrins are highly expressed by macrophages; thus, targeting alphavbeta3 may allow targeting of culprit macrophage-loaded atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. METHODS: An alphavbeta3-targeted Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide was labeled with the cyanine 5.5 (Cy 5.5) dye and applied to image atherosclerotic plaques in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. RESULTS: The peptide-dye conjugate binds to alphavbeta3 integrin-positive RAW264.7 macrophages with high affinity. Competition experiments confirmed binding specificity of the probe. A significant fluorochrome accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques was demonstrated 24 h after injection by fluorescence reflectance imaging, which was blocked with high efficiency by competition with the unlabeled peptide. Conversely, the nonconjugated dye revealed only a minor fluorescence signal in the plaques. Fluorescence microscopy revealed colocalization of the probe with macrophages in the plaque of a mouse model for accelerated atherosclerosis, which was corroborated in human carotid artery specimens. In addition to macrophage-associated signals, binding of the probe to the neointima or elastica of the arteries was observed. CONCLUSION: RGD-Cy 5.5, combined with near-infrared optical imaging methods, allows the specific imaging of alphavbeta3-integrin expression on macrophages recruited to vascular lesions and may serve to estimate macrophage-bound inflammatory activity of atherosclerotic lesions.     

Development of a macromolecular dual-modality MR-optical imaging for sentinel lymph node mapping

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a dual magnetic resonance-near infrared fluorescence optical imaging agent, poly(l-glutamic acid)-DTPA-Gd-NIR813, for both preoperative and intraoperative visualization and characterization of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Poly(L-glutamic acid) was conjugated with DTPA-Gd and NIR813 dye to obtain PG-DTPA-Gd-NIR813. To confirm drainage into the SLNs, this agent was injected subcutaneously into the front paw of nude mice followed by isosulfan blue (n = 6). Furthermore, PG-DTPA-Gd-NIR813 was injected subcutaneously at doses of 0.002 mmol Gd/kg (4.8 nmol eq. NIR813) and 0.02 mmol Gd/kg (48 nmol eq. NIR813) (n = 3/dose). To differentiate metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes, nude mice bearing human oral squamous cell carcinoma (DM14) were injected intralingually with 0.02 mmol Gd/kg PG-DTPA-Gd-NIR813 (n = 3). Pre- and postcontrast images were taken using 4.7 T Bruker MRI scanner and Xenogen optical imaging system. The status of lymph nodes resected under the guidance of optical imaging was confirmed by histologic examinations. RESULTS: PG-DTPA-Gd-NIR813 colocalized with isosulfan blue, indicating drainage to the SLN. After subcutaneous injection, axiliary and branchial lymph nodes were clearly visualized with both T1-weighted MR and optical imaging within 3 minutes of contrast injection, even at the lowest dose tested (0.002 mmol Gd/kg). After intralingual injection in tumor-bearing mice, MR imaging identified 4 of the 6 superficial cervical lymph nodes, whereas near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) optical imaging identified all 6 cervical nodes. The pattern of contrast enhancement of SLN visualized in MR images showed a characteristic ring-shaped appearance with a central filling defect, possibly resulting from nodal infiltration of metastatic lesions. Histopathologic examination of the SLNs resected under NIRF imaging guidance revealed micrometastases in all 6 SLNs identified by NIRF imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The dual modality imaging method demonstrated in this study represents an effective technique for localization and characterization of SLN.     

Cy5.5-DTPA-galactosyl-dextran: a fluorescent probe for in vivo measurement of receptor biochemistry

The high sensitivity of fluorescent reporters offers an opportunity to analytically probe the biochemistry of in vivo receptor systems with low target tissue concentration. We investigated the ability of an optical imaging system to acquire adequate signal for in vivo measurement of receptor biochemistry. The imaging system consisted of a small animal optical imager operating in the time domain (TD) and a fluorescent-labeled diagnostic probe of known receptor-binding properties. Optical imaging of mice (n = 4) using the targeted probe, Cy5.5-DTPA-galactosyl-dextran (2.2 Cy5.5, 4 DTPA, 68 galactose units per dextran, 124 kDa, 24 nmol/kg), demonstrated blood clearance and hepatic uptake. The mean and standard deviation for the time to reach 90% of the peak liver intensity were 15.4 +/- 1.6 min. Typical fluorescent intensities within a 10-pixel region-of-interest from a 30-s image acquired 30 min postinjection were in excess of 2.5 million counts. The nontargeted agent (Cy5.5-DTPA-dextran) did not demonstrate (n = 4) hepatic uptake. This uptake pattern was duplicated by nuclear imaging of rabbits using (99m)Tc-labeled Cy5.5-DTPA-galactosyl-dextran and Cy5.5-DTPA-dextran. This study demonstrated the feasibility of optically labeling a receptor-binding diagnostic probe and imaging in the TD with sufficient sensitivity and temporal resolution for pharmacokinetic analysis.     

Colonic adenocarcinomas: near-infrared microcatheter imaging of smart probes for early detection--study in mice

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the ability of micro-fiberoptic catheters, which simultaneously record white light and near-infrared (NIR) images, to reveal colonic neoplasms after the intravenous administration of activatable "smart" probes that increase in NIR fluorescence subsequent to protease activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional animal care committee approved all animal experiments. CT26 tumor cells were orthotopically implanted into the descending colon of C57BL6/J mice (n=10). Thirteen days later, mice intravenously received either 2 nmol of a protease-sensing probe that had cathepsin B as a major activator (n=5) or saline (control animals [n=5]). One day later, animals were noninvasively examined to the point of the splenic flexure by using microcatheter imaging. Excised colons were subsequently evaluated with epifluorescence imaging, histologic examination, and cathepsin B immunohistochemistry. Student t test was used for statistical analysis, with P<.05 considered to indicate a significant difference. RESULTS: Results with fiberoptic imaging demonstrated that all tumors were visible with the protease-activatable probe, even when they were not readily apparent at white light imaging. A target-to-background ratio (TBR) of 8.86 for tumor to adjacent normal mucosa was achieved in the NIR channel after probe administration (P=.001), whereas white light images resulted in a TBR of 1.14 (P>.5) based on luminosity. The tumoral NIR fluorescence intensity was more than 30-fold greater in probe-injected animals than in control animals, indicating that essentially all of the signal recorded in lesions was from activatable probe administration. Results of immunohistochemistry confirmed cathepsin B overexpression in the tumor compared with adjacent mucosa. CONCLUSION: The use of NIR imaging microcatheters combined with protease-activatable smart probes results in a beacon effect that highlights tumors with high TBRs; this technique thus may be a potentially useful adjunct to white light colonoscopy in the future.