title: Label-free Au cluster used for in vivo 2D and 3D computed tomography of murine kidneys.
abstract: Kidney disease is a worldwide health hazard. Noninvasive imaging modalities such as computed tomography are often used for diagnosis, to guide treatment, and to assess a disease state over the long-term. The physiology of the kidneys can be assessed with contrast agents. We present an albumin-stabilized Au cluster with red fluorescence and robust X-ray attenuation. In vivo studies revealed distribution of the Au clusters in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, with excretion mostly via the kidneys. Under optimal conditions, this agent can outline the anatomy of mouse kidneys on 2D and 3D computed tomography imaging, with clear visualization of the renal collecting system and ureters. This is a promising agent for kidney visualization and disease diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, 100049, China.
authors.forename: Yaling
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Jiao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhai
authors.forename: Fuping
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Ru
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Yuliang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Zhifang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.forename: Xueyun
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Gao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D051379:Mice; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D006046:Gold