Computed tomography imaging of macrophage phagocytic activity in abdominal aortic aneurysm.

ABSTRACT: Inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of several vascular pathologies, including abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Evaluating the role of inflammation in AAA pathobiology and potentially outcome in vivo requires non-invasive tools for high-resolution imaging. We investigated the feasibility of X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging of phagocytic activity using nanoparticle contrast agents to predict AAA outcome. Methods: Uptake of several nanoparticle CT contrast agents was evaluated in a macrophage cell line. The most promising agent, Exitron nano 12000, was further characterized in vitro and used for subsequent in vivo testing. AAA was induced in Apoe^-/- mice through angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion for up to 4 weeks. Nanoparticl

SUBMITTER: Toczek J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8058712 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature