title: In vivo visualization of gold-loaded cells in mice using x-ray computed tomography.
abstract: The ability to perform cell tracking using x-ray computed tomography combined with gold nanoparticles has been demonstrated recently on ex vivo samples using different malignant and nonmalignant cell lines. Here we proved the concept of the method for in vivo assessment in a small-animal model of malignant brain tumors. The limitations of the method due to radiation dose constraints were investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. Taking into consideration different x-ray entrance doses and the spatial resolution, the visibility of the cell clusters was evaluated. The results of the experiments conducted on mice implanted with F98 tumor cells confirmed the prediction of the Monte Carlo calculations. Small clusters of cells exogenously loaded with gold nanoparticles could be visualized using our in vivo method.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This article discusses the use of CT-based detection of gold nanoparticle loaded cells of interest in small-animal models of malignant brain tumors, where small clusters of cells loaded with gold nanoparticles could be visualized.
authors: Australian Synchrotron Company Ltd., Clayton, Victoria, Australia. alberto.astolfo@synchrotron.org.au
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Astolfo
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: Schültke
authors: Ralf Hendrik
authors: RH
authors: Menk
authors: Robert D
authors: RD
authors: Kirch
authors: Bernhard H J
authors: BH
authors: Juurlink
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Hall
authors: Laura-Adela
authors: LA
authors: Harsan
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Stebel
authors: Davide
authors: D
authors: Barbetta
authors: Giuliana
authors: G
authors: Tromba
authors: Fulvia
authors: F
authors: Arfelli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006046:Gold / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000032:analysis; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D051381:Rats; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D006046:Gold