Nano-Size MR Probe Detects T Cells Infiltration in Bone Marrow & Growth Plate in Rat Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chih-Lung Chen¹, Cheng-Hung Chou², Ming-Huang Lin², Wen-Yuan Hsieh¹, Hsin-Hsin Shen¹, Shian-Jy Wang¹, C. Chang²

The activation of T-cells correlates with the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding the genesis, migration, and distribution of the T-cells provides important perspectives regarding RA. To monitor T-cells noninvasively and repeatedly, an in vivo labeling technique using a new nanoparticle contrast agent, IOPC, was employed. The IOPC had a longer blood circulation time that allowed uptake by cells over a longer duration. Noticeable IOPC-induced hypointensities was observed in the growth plate of the RA rat one day following in vivo IOPC labeling. Double immunohistology against IOPC and CD3 confirmed the presence of T-cells in the growth plate in RA.