Improved route for the visualization of stem cells labeled with a Gd-/Eu-chelate as dual (MRI and fluorescence) agent

Magn Reson Med. 2004 May;51(5):938-44. doi: 10.1002/mrm.20072.

Abstract

A simple labeling procedure of stem/progenitor cells based on the use of Gd-HPDO3A and Eu-HPDO3A, respectively, is described. The Gd-chelate acts as T(1)-agent for MRI visualization, whereas the corresponding Eu-chelate acts as reporter in fluorescence microscopy. Owing to their substantial chemical equivalence, the two chelates are equally internalized in EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells), thus allowing their visualization by both techniques. The lanthanide chelates are entrapped in endosomic vesicles and the labeled cells retain biological activity with preservation of viability and pro-angiogenesis capacity. Hyperintense spots in MR have been observed for Gd-labeled EPCs injected under mice kidney capsule or grafted on a subcutaneous Matrigel plug up to 14 days after transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Survival
  • Chelating Agents*
  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium
  • Heterocyclic Compounds*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Organometallic Compounds*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Contrast Media
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • europium(III) chelate-2,2',2'',2'''-((4-((4-isothiocyanatophenyl)ethynyl)pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(methylenenitrilo))tetrakis(acetic acid)
  • gadoteridol
  • Gadolinium