Abstract #2190

Lobbes M, Miserus R, Wiethoff A, Kessels A, Daemen M, van Engelshoven J, Heeneman S, Leiner T, Kooi E

Previous research suggested uptake of MS-325 in the atherosclerotic vessel wall. We hypothesized that MS-325 can be used to detect atherosclerotic lesions in rabbit abdominal aortas. Four groups of 3-4 NZW rabbits each were formed: atherosclerotic and normal rabbits receiving MS-325 or Gd-DTPA. T1w MR images were acquired (1.5T). Post-MS-325 signal enhancement was significantly larger in atherosclerotic aortas than in controls. Post-Gd-DTPA signal enhancement was comparable between atherosclerotic aortas and controls. Thus, preliminary results show specific enhancement of atherosclerotic lesions after administration of MS-325, whereas Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI is not able to distinguish between diseased and non-diseased rabbit vessel walls.