Gd-DTPA-loaded PLGA microbubbles as both ultrasound contrast agent and MRI contrast agent--a feasibility research.
OBJECTIVE
To prepare the Gd-DTPA-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microbubbles for both ultrasound imaging and MRI imaging.


METHODS
Biodegradable high-molecular-weight poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used as an encapsulating vehicle to fabricate a contrast agent composed of gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and fluorocarbon-filled microbubbles by using double emulsion method. The morphology, size, and Gd loading capacity of PLGA microparticles were assessed. The efficacy of the contrast agent for ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated by in vivo imaging of hepatic vessels and the liver parenchyma of rabbit following injection of the contrast agent. Additionally, the liver and kidney functions were examined before and at 7, 14, 30 days after injection.


RESULTS
Electron microscopy showed Gd loaded PLGA microbubbles were spherical in shape. The mean diameter were 1.47 +/- 0.38 microm and the Gd loading was 25 +/- 2 microg/mg. Right after the injection of the PLGA microbubbles, the ultrasound echo intensity of hepatic vessels and the liver parenchyma was significantly enhanced. Moreover, enhanced signal intensity of the liver parenchyma on MR images was observed for approximately 30 min after injection of the contrast agent. Neither marked changes in the liver and kidney functions nor other severe complications were detected during the follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
Gd-DTPA-loaded PLGA microbubbles could enhance both ultrasound imaging and MRI imaging.
Institute of Ultrasound Imaging, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Meng
M
Ao
Zhigang
Z
Wang
Haitao
H
Ran
Dajing
D
Guo
Jinhong
J
Yu
Ao
A
Li
Weijuan
W
Chen
Wei
W
Wu
Yuanyi
Y
Zheng
D000818:Animals; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D045423:Microbubbles; D010316:Particle Size; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D003287:Contrast Media; C045866:peptide-Gly-Leu-amide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA