Type 1 diabetes mellitus results in autoiummune destruction of β-cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin production. Paramagnetic Mn2+ ions are taken up by β-cells as a calcium analogue and could be used as an MR contrast agent to monitor β-cell function and therefore treatment or disease progression in these patients. Three manganese-based contrast agents (MnCl2, mangafodipir and Mn gluconate) were used to measure pancreas enhancement after saline and glucose challenge in healthy rats. All agents showed greater enhancement after glucose challenge, with no marked difference between the two agents that have been used clinically.
This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.