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Abstract #0224

In Vivo Molecular MRI of Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression in Mice Using a Novel Elastin-Binding Contrast Agent

Marcus R. Makowski1, Ulrike Blume1, Andrea J. Wiethoff1, Christian Jansen1, Joel Lazewatsky2, Simon Robinson2, Rene M. Botnar3

1Kings College London BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Imaging Sciences Division, London, UK; 2Lantheus Medical Imaging, USA; 3Kings College London BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Imaging Sciences Division, UK


The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ECM remodeling. Elastin is an essential component of the ECM of the arterial vessel wall. Male ApoE -/- mice have been shown to reproducibly develop progressive atherosclerotic plaques in the innominate artery over a short period on a high fat diet (HFD). With the advent of a novel elastin binding contrast agent (BMS -753951) imaging of ECM formation in atherosclerosis has become feasible. In this study, we demonstrate the successful non-invasive assessment of alterations in atherosclerotic plaque size in an ApoE mouse model using serial MRI together with a novel elastin specific contrast agent. Molecular alterations, with regard to elastin formation in atherosclerosis can be differentiated using BMS-753951.