In vivo magnetic resonance imaging tracking of C6 glioma cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current study was to monitor the migration of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-labeled C6 cells, which were used to induce glioblastoma tumor growth in an animal model, over time using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with the goal of aiding in tumor prognosis and therapy.


METHODS
Two groups of male Wistar rats were used for the tumor induction model. In the first group (n=3), the tumors were induced via the injection of SPION-labeled C6 cells. In the second group (n=3), the tumors were induced via the injection of unlabeled C6 cells. Prussian Blue staining was performed to analyze the SPION distribution within the C6 cells in vitro. Tumor-inducing C6 cells were injected into the right frontal cortex, and subsequent tumor monitoring and SPION detection were performed using T2- and T2*-weighted MRI at a 2T field strength. In addition, cancerous tissue was histologically analyzed after performing the MRI studies.


RESULTS
The in vitro qualitative evaluation demonstrated adequate distribution and satisfactory cell labeling of the SPIONs. At 14 or 21 days after C6 injection, a SPION-induced T2- and T2*-weighted MRI signal reduction was observed within the lesion located in the left frontal lobe on parasagittal topography. Moreover, histological staining of the tumor tissue with Prussian Blue revealed a broad distribution of SPIONs within the C6 cells.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI analyses exhibit potential for monitoring the tumor growth of C6 cells efficiently labeled with SPIONs.
Instituto do Cérebro, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Javier Bustamante
JB
Mamani
Jackeline Moraes
JM
Malheiros
Ellison Fernando
EF
Cardoso
Alberto
A
Tannús
Paulo Henrique
PH
Silveira
Lionel Fernel
LF
Gamarra
D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D058948:Cell Tracking / Q000379:methods*; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000473:pathology; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013997:Time Factors
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; C000499:ferric oxide