Interstitial MR lymphography using Gd-carrying liposomes.
The detection of metastasis in lymph nodes is greatly enhanced by the use of contrast media. Interstitial injection of lymphography contrast agents requires only injection of a low dose of the agent, and leads to high accumulation in regional lymph nodes with only minor side effects. We were able to show the suitability of liposome-encapsulated gadobutrol as an interstitially injectable lymphography contrast agent in an experimental animal model. For screening of possible lymphotrophic compounds a guinea pig model was used. Accumulation of the contrast agent in 3 successive lymph node groups was determined 4 h after subcutaneous injection of the contrast agent (about 0.1 ml of a 30 mmol Gd/l solution resulting in a total dose of 10 mumol/kg) into the interdigital skin fold of a hind limb. The Gd concentration in the first lymph node group (popliteal) was 540 mumol/l (16% dose/g tissue), in the second group (inguinal): 260 mumol/l (8% dose/g tissue), and in the third group (iliac): 910 mumol/l (27% dose/g tissue). Moreover, this compound was completely eliminated and well tolerated.
Misselwitz
B
B
Research Laboratories of Schering AG, Berlin, Germany. bernd.misselwitz@schering.de
Sachse
A
A
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008081:Liposomes; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C090600:gadobutrol; D005682:Gadolinium