Dual-modality imaging for identifying thrombosis via platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor targeted cyclic RGDfK microbubbles

Background

Acute thrombotic events play a major role in various cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, direct thrombus imaging can be proved beneficial for early diagnosis and prompt therapy of thrombosis. Our study investigated targeted dual-modality cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic micro bubbles (cRGD-MBs) for direct imaging of thrombi by fluorescence and ultrasound.

Methods

cRGD-MBs were prepared by mechanical vibration and chemical chelation methods.

Results

Coulter counter analysis demonstrated that the cRGD-MBs were well dispersed, with diameters ranging from 1 to 3 μm. They emitted bright red fluorescence under an excitation wavelength of 660 nm. In vivo fluorescence and ultrasound imaging revealed that cRGD-MBs accumulated at the site of thrombus in the carotid artery with significant fluorescence and ultrasonic signal.

Conclusions

This study showed that novel microbubble cRGD-MBs were successfully synthesized, and that these could potentially be used as contrast agents for immediate diagnosis of acute thrombus in vivo.