Fukushima K, Bravo PE, Higuchi T, Schuleri KH, Lin X, Abraham MR, Xia J, Mathews WB, Dannals RF, Lardo AC, Szabo Z, Bengel FM. Molecular hybrid positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of cardiac angiotensin II type 1 receptors.
J Am Coll Cardiol 2012;
60:2527-34. [PMID:
23158533 DOI:
10.1016/j.jacc.2012.09.023]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of targeted imaging of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in cardiac tissue, using clinical hybrid positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).
BACKGROUND
AT1R is an attractive imaging target due to its key role in various cardiac pathologies, including post-infarct left ventricular remodeling.
METHODS
Using the novel AT1R ligand [(11)C]-KR31173, dynamic PET/CT was performed in young farm pigs under healthy conditions (n = 4) and 3 to 4 weeks after experimental myocardial infarction (n = 5). Ex vivo validation was carried out by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction. First-in-man application was performed in 4 healthy volunteers at baseline and under AT1R blocking.
RESULTS
In healthy pigs, myocardial KR31173 retention was detectable, regionally homogeneous, and specific for AT1R, as confirmed by blocking experiments. Metabolism in plasma was low (85 ± 2% of intact tracer after 60 min). After myocardial infarction, KR31173 retention, corrected for regional perfusion, revealed AT1R up-regulation in the infarct area relative to remote myocardium, whereas retention was elevated in both regions when compared with myocardium of healthy controls (8.7 ± 0.8% and 7.1 ± 0.3%/min vs. 5.8 ± 0.4%/min for infarct and remote, respectively, vs. healthy controls; p < 0.01 each). Postmortem analysis confirmed AT1R up-regulation in remote and infarct tissue. First-in-man application was safe, and showed detectable and specific myocardial KR31173 retention, albeit at a lower level than pigs (left ventricular average retention: 1.2 ± 0.1%/min vs. 4.4 ± 1.2%/min for humans vs. pigs; p = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
Noninvasive imaging of cardiac AT1R expression is feasible using clinical PET/CT technology. Results provide a rationale for broader clinical testing of AT1R-targeted molecular imaging.
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