A liposomal Gd contrast agent does not cross the mouse placental barrier.
The trans-placental permeability of liposomal Gadolinium (Gd) nanoparticle contrast agents was evaluated in a pregnant mouse model. Pregnant Balb/c mice at 16.5 (±1) days of gestation were imaged using a 3D Spoiled Gradient Echo method at 9.4 T using two contrast agents: a clinically approved Gd chelate, Multihance(®) (gadobenate dimeglumine), and a novel experimental liposomal Gd agent. A Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) protocol was used to capture the dynamics of contrast entry and distribution in the placenta, and clearance from circulation. A blinded clinical radiologist evaluated both sets of images. A reference region model was used to measure the placental flow and physiological parameters; volume transfer constant (K(trans)), efflux rate constant (K(ep)). The Gd content of excised placentae and fetuses was measured, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). MRI images of pregnant mice and ICP-MS analyses of placental and fetal tissue demonstrated undetectably low transplacental permeation of the liposomal Gd agent, while the clinical agent (Multihance) avidly permeated the placental barrier. Image interpretation and diagnostic quality was equivalent between the two contrast agents. Additional testing to determine both maternal and fetal safety of liposomal Gd is suggested.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Anil N
AN
Shetty
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Robia
R
Pautler
Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Ketan
K
Ghaghada
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
David
D
Rendon
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Haijun
H
Gao
Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Zbigniew
Z
Starosolski
Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Rohan
R
Bhavane
Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Chandreshkumar
C
Patel
Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
Ananth
A
Annapragada
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Chandrasekhar
C
Yallampalli
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Childrens Hospital, 6621 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Wesley
W
Lee
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D008536:Meglumine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010920:Placenta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C064572:gadobenic acid; D008536:Meglumine; D005682:Gadolinium