Imaging single mammalian cells with a 1.5 T clinical MRI scanner.
In the present work, we demonstrate that the steady-state free precession (SSFP) imaging pulse sequence FIESTA (fast imaging employing steady state acquisition) used in conjunction with a custom-built insertable gradient coil and customized RF coils can be used to detect individual SPIO-labeled cells using a commonly available 1.5 T clinical MRI scanner. This work provides the first evidence that single-cell tracking will be possible using clinical MRI scanners, opening up new possibilities for cell tracking and monitoring of cellular therapeutics in vivo in humans.
Foster-Gareau
Paula
P
Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada. pgareau@imaging.robarts.ca
Heyn
Chris
C
Alejski
Andrew
A
Rutt
Brian K
BK
D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide