In this study, we present a method for mapping intracellular pH values based on amide and guanidyl CEST-MRI which simultaneously compensates for concentration changes, the semi-solid magnetization transfer, and spillover dilution. Compensation of the concomitant effects and calculation of reliable pH maps in the range of pH 6.5-7.5 was verified experimentally in porcine brain lysates. Applicability in vivo was demonstrated in the lesions of three tumor-bearing mice showing an average intracellular pH of approximately 7. Consequently, endogenous amide and guanidyl signal-based mapping of the intracellular pH is now applicable for tumor imaging which was previously prevented by the concomitant effects.
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