Diagnostic Significance of pH-Responsive Gd³⁺-Based T₁ MR Contrast Agents
10.13104/imri.2019.23.1.17
- Author:
Sankarprasad BHUNIYA
1
;
Kwan Soo HONG
Author Information
1. Bioimaging Research Team, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, Korea. kshong@kbsi.re.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
MR contrast agent;
pH-mapping;
T₁-W MRI
- MeSH:
Biological Processes;
Contrast Media;
Human Body;
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration;
Tumor Microenvironment
- From:Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
2019;23(1):17-25
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We discuss recent advances in Gd-based T₁-weighted MR contrast agents for the mapping of cellular pH. The pH plays a critical role in various biological processes. During the past two decades, several MR contrast agents of strategic importance for pH-mapping have been developed. Some of these agents shed light on the pH fluctuation in the tumor microenvironment. A pH-responsive self-assembled contrast agent facilitates the visualization of tumor size as small as 3 mm³. Optimization of various parameters is crucial for the development of pH-responsive contrast agents. In due course, the new contrast agents may provide significant insight into pH fluctuations in the human body.
