Assessment of the hepatic tumor extracellular matrix using elastin-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging in an experimental rabbit cancer model

Keller S, Borde T, Brangsch J, Reimann C, Kader A, Schulze D, Buchholz R, Kaufmann JO, Karst U, Schellenberger E, Hamm B, Makowski MR (2020)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Scientific Reports Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Journals - Option B

Book Volume: 10

Article Number: 20785

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77624-8

Abstract

To investigate the imaging performance of an elastin-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe with respect to the extracellular matrix (ECM) in an experimental hepatic cancer model. Twelve rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors were examined using 3 T MRI 14, 21, and 28 days after tumor implantation for two subsequent days (gadobutrol, day 1; elastin-specific probe, day 2). The relative enhancement (RE) of segmented tumor regions (central and margin) and the peritumoral matrix was calculated using pre-contrast and delayed-phase T1w sequences. MRI measurements were correlated to histopathology and element-specific and spatially resolved mass spectrometry (MS). Mixed-model analysis was performed to assess the performance of the elastin-specific probe. In comparison to gadobutrol, the elastin probe showed significantly stronger RE, which was pronounced in the tumor margin (day 14–28: P ≤ 0.007). In addition, the elastin probe was superior in discriminating between tumor regions (χ2(4) = 65.87; P < 0.001). MRI-based measurements of the elastin probe significantly correlated with the ex vivo elastinstain (R =.84; P <0.001) and absolute gadolinium concentrations (ICP-MS: R =.73, P <0.01). LA-ICP-MS imaging confirmed the colocalization of the elastin-specific probe with elastic fibers. Elastin-specific molecular MRI is superior to non-specific gadolinium-based contrast agents in imaging the ECM of hepatic tumors and the peritumoral tissue.

Involved external institutions

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin DE Germany (DE) Freie Universität Berlin DE Germany (DE) Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität (WWU) Münster DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Keller, S., Borde, T., Brangsch, J., Reimann, C., Kader, A., Schulze, D.,... Makowski, M.R. (2020). Assessment of the hepatic tumor extracellular matrix using elastin-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging in an experimental rabbit cancer model. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77624-8

MLA:

Keller, Sarah, et al. "Assessment of the hepatic tumor extracellular matrix using elastin-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging in an experimental rabbit cancer model." Scientific Reports 10.1 (2020).

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