title: Interleukin 16- (IL-16-) Targeted Ultrasound Imaging Agent Improves Detection of Ovarian Tumors in Laying Hens, a Preclinical Model of Spontaneous Ovarian Cancer.
abstract: Limited resolution of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) scanning is a significant barrier to early detection of ovarian cancer (OVCA). Contrast agents have been suggested to improve the resolution of TVUS scanning. Emerging evidence suggests that expression of interleukin 16 (IL-16) by the tumor epithelium and microvessels increases in association with OVCA development and offers a potential target for early OVCA detection. The goal of this study was to examine the feasibility of IL-16-targeted contrast agents in enhancing the intensity of ultrasound imaging from ovarian tumors in hens, a model of spontaneous OVCA. Contrast agents were developed by conjugating biotinylated anti-IL-16 antibodies with streptavidin coated microbubbles. Enhancement of ultrasound signal intensity was determined before and after injection of contrast agents. Following scanning, ovarian tissues were processed for the detection of IL-16 expressing cells and microvessels. Compared with precontrast, contrast imaging enhanced ultrasound signal intensity significantly in OVCA hens at early (P < 0.05) and late stages (P < 0.001). Higher intensities of ultrasound signals in OVCA hens were associated with increased frequencies of IL-16 expressing cells and microvessels. These results suggest that IL-16-targeted contrast agents improve the visualization of ovarian tumors. The laying hen may be a suitable model to test new imaging agents and develop targeted anti-OVCA therapeutics.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Pharmacology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Animesh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barua
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Aparna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yellapa
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Janice M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bahr
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Malavika K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Adur
authors.affiliation: Poultry Research Farm, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
authors.forename: Chet W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Utterback
authors.affiliation: Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Pincas
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bitterman
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine (Biostatistics), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Sanjib
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.affiliation: Departments of Pharmacology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Sameer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
authors.forename: Jacques S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Abramowicz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D003287:Contrast Media; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D019410:Interleukin-16 / Q000378:metabolism*; D055806:Microvessels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019410:Interleukin-16