Perfluorohexane-loaded macrophages as a novel ultrasound contrast agent: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated in vitro the potential of macrophages to act as targeted vehicle for ultrasound molecular imaging.


METHODS
Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM), incubated for 3 h with different concentrations of perfluorohexane (PFH) emulsions, were monitored by microscopy, flow cytometry, and ultrasound. Effects of PFH loading on BMM adhesion molecule (PSGL-1, VLA-4, Mac-1, LFA-1) expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. Static adhesion of PFH loaded BMM to unstimulated and TNF-alpha stimulated b.End5 endothelial cells was assessed by microscopy.


RESULTS
Incubation of BMM with PFH emulsions resulted in dose-dependent uptake and increased echogenicity (max. 17 dB). Flow cytometry analyses revealed no down-regulation related to PFH loading of BMM adhesion molecule expression. Endothelial adhesion remained functional, even after 24 h, although PFH loading dose-dependently attenuated static adhesion.


CONCLUSIONS
PFH loaded BMM may potentially serve as ultrasound contrast agent for noninvasive detection of atherogenic hotspots in arteries.
Kornmann
Liselotte M
LM
Department of Biophysics, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P. O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Curfs
Daniëlle M J
DM
Hermeling
Evelien
E
van der Made
Ingeborg
I
de Winther
Menno P J
MP
Reneman
Robert S
RS
Reesink
Koen D
KD
Hoeks
Arnold P G
AP
D000818:Animals; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000378:metabolism; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000378:metabolism*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000378:metabolism*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D014463:Ultrasonography
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D003287:Contrast Media; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C078626:perflexane