Contrast Ultrasound Imaging of the Aorta Does Not Affect Progression of Atherosclerosis or Cardiovascular Biomarkers in ApoE-/- Mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) enhance cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. Adverse biological effects have occurred after administration of UCAs, and more research is needed for a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved. We used the ApoE(-/-) mouse model of atherosclerosis to characterize the effects of ultrasound and UCAs on atherosclerosis and plasma biomarkers.

Methods

Male ApoE(-/-) mice (8 weeks old; n = 24) were intravenously infused with a UCA (2 × 10(10) Definity microbubbles per hour; Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, MA) and exposed to 2.8-MHz center frequency ultrasound (10 Hz pulse repetition frequency, 1.4 microseconds pulse duration, 2 minutes exposure duration, and 2 sites) at 1 of 3 derated peak rarefactional pressure amplitude

SUBMITTER: Smith BW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4471945 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature