Optimization of radiation therapy for liver cancer using SPIO-MRImonitoring the degradation of SPIO by Kupffer cells

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We explored a new MR imaging technique for visualizing irradiated liver parenchyma several days after the start of irradiation. We gave SPIO to rats prior to hepatic irradiation and performed serial MRI examinations to assess the changes in hepatic signal intensity. Hepatic signal intensity recovered to the normal range later in irradiated areas than non-irradiated areas, suggesting that degradation of SPIO by Kupffer cells was delayed in the irradiated areas. The increased number of iron deposits in Kupffer cells in irradiated areas supported the delayed degradation of SPIO.