Noninvasive multitarget-imaging of vascular inflammation and its progression in atherosclerosis using MRI

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Atherosclerosis and its sequelae have a major impact on morbidity and mortality. The rupture of an inflamed atherosclerotic plaque is a crucial event, since it can result in acute vessel closure. Not only detection of early plaque rupture with imminent closure is therefore of clinical interest, but also timely detection of vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque progression. The aim of this project is to image different epitopes reflecting vascular inflammation by noninvasive MRI in mice. Using a multimarker/multitarget approach and a dedicated MRI protocol, expression of LOX-1, VCAM and GPVI will be quantified at different timepoints during plaque progression in ApoE-/--mice on high fat diet. Furthermore, the influence of statins as antiinflammatory agent will be studied by this technique. The described approach will allow a nonvasive in vivo evaluation of inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic plaques during plaque/disease progression, as well as monitoring of antiinflammatory drug therapy. This technique is not only of interest for a potential future transfer into humans using human compatible contrast agents, but also for the noninvasive evaluation of atherosclerotic inflammatory activity in animal models adressing the influence of knockouts or specific therapies on disease progression