title: In vivo 19F MRI for cell tracking.
abstract: In vivo (19)F MRI allows quantitative cell tracking without the use of ionizing radiation. It is a noninvasive technique that can be applied to humans. Here, we describe a general protocol for cell labeling, imaging, and image processing. The technique is applicable to various cell types and animal models, although here we focus on a typical mouse model for tracking murine immune cells. The most important issues for cell labeling are described, as these are relevant to all models. Similarly, key imaging parameters are listed, although the details will vary depending on the MRI system and the individual setup. Finally, we include an image processing protocol for quantification. Variations for this, and other parts of the protocol, are assessed in the Discussion section. Based on the detailed procedure described here, the user will need to adapt the protocol for each specific cell type, cell label, animal model, and imaging setup. Note that the protocol can also be adapted for human use, as long as clinical restrictions are met.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Mangala
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Srinivas
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Boehm-Sturm
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aswendt
authors.forename: Eberhard D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Pracht
authors.forename: Carl G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Figdor
authors.forename: I Jolanda
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: de Vries
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hoehn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D058948:Cell Tracking / Q000379:methods*; D005461:Fluorine / Q000737:chemistry; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D005461:Fluorine