Molecular Imaging of Apoptosis in Atherosclerosis by Targeting Cell Membrane Phospholipid Asymmetry.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions contributes to plaque vulnerability by lipid core enlargement and fibrous cap attenuation. Apoptosis is associated with exteriorization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) on the cell membrane. Although PS-avid radiolabeled annexin-V has been employed for molecular imaging of high-risk plaques, PE-targeted imaging in atherosclerosis has not been studied.

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of molecular imaging with PE-avid radiolabeled duramycin in experimental atherosclerotic lesions in a rabbit model and compare duramycin targeting with radiolabeled annexin-V.

Methods

Of the 27 rabbits, 21 were fed high-cholesterol, high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Nine of the 21 rabbits receive

SUBMITTER: Chaudhry F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7654709 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature