Mn porphyrins as novel molecular magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Background and Purpose: In this study, we investigated the potential of a new class of therapeutic Mn porphyrins as molecular MRI probes for prostate cancer imaging. Two compounds of different bioavailibility were investigated: Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTE-2-PyP5+) and Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTnHex-2-PyP5+). These compounds have previously been shown to have adjunctive antineoplastic activity through their actions as powerful superoxide dismutase mimics, peroxynitrite scavengers, and modulators of cellular redox-based signaling pathways. Strong paramagnetic MRI contrast properties and affinity for cancer cells suggest their potential application as novel diagnostic imaging agents. Materials and Methods: MRI experiments were performed at 7.0T on a Bruker Biospec horizontal bore scanner. All in-vivo experiments were performed on 12 C57 black mice implanted with RM-9 prostate cancer cells on the hind limb. Two mg/kg of MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ (n=6) and 8 mg/kg MnTE-2-PyP5+ (n=6) were administered intraperitoneally 90 minutes before imaging. All the images were collected using a volume coil and processed using Paravision 4.0. Results: Phantom studies reveal remarkably high T1 relaxivity changes for both metalloporphyrins, which are twofold to threefold higher than commercially available gadolinium chelates. Observable detection limits using conventional T1-weighted MRI are in the low micromolar range for both compounds. In vivo, MR relaxation changes in prostate tumor xenografts were readily observed after a single injection of either MnTE-2-PyP5+or MnTnHex-2-PyP5+, with tumor contrast to background ratio greatest after MnTE-2-PyP5+ administration. Conclusion: After a single dose of MnTE-2-PyP5+, contrast changes in prostate tumors are up to sixfold greater than in surrounding, noncancerous tissues, suggesting the potential use of this metalloporphyrin as a novel diagnostic probe for detecting prostate malignancy using MRI. © Copyright 2012, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Publication Date

11-1-2012

Publication Title

Journal of Endourology

ISSN

08927790

E-ISSN

1557900X

Volume

26

Issue

11

First Page

1420

Last Page

1424

PubMed ID

22783812

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1089/end.2012.0171

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