Development of an ESR/MR dual-imaging system as a tool to detect bioradicals

Brain Redox Imaging Using In Vivo Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging and Nitroxide Imaging Probes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by living organisms as a result of normal cellular metabolism. Under normal physiological conditions, oxidative damage is prevented by the regulation of ROS by the antioxidant network. However, increased ROS and decreased antioxidant defense may contribute to many brain disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Noninvasive assessment of brain redox status is necessary for monitoring the disease state and the oxidative damage. Continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) imaging using redox-sensitive imaging probes, such as nitroxides, is a powerful method for visualizing the redox status modulated by oxidative stress in vivo. For conventional CW-EPR imaging, however, poor signal-to-noise ratio, low acquisition efficiency, and lack of anatomic visualization limit its ability to achieve three-dimensional redox mapping of small rodent brains. In this review, we discuss the instrumentation and coregistration of EPR images to anatomical images and appropriate nitroxide imaging probes, all of which are needed for a sophisticated in vivo EPR imager for all rodents. Using new EPR imaging systems, site-specific distribution and kinetics of nitroxide imaging probes in rodent brains can be obtained more accurately, compared to previous EPR imaging systems. We also describe the redox imaging studies of animal models of brain disease using newly developed EPR imaging.

Imaging Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Modifications in Living Systems

SIGNIFICANCE

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) may regulate signaling, ion channels, transcription factors, and biosynthetic processes. ROS-related diseases can be due to either a shortage or an excess of ROS.

RECENT ADVANCES

Since the biological activity of ROS depends on not only concentration but also spatiotemporal distribution, real-time imaging of ROS, possibly in vivo, has become a need for scientists, with potential for clinical translation. New imaging techniques as well as new contrast agents in clinically established modalities were developed in the previous decade.

CRITICAL ISSUES

An ideal imaging technique should determine ROS changes with high spatio-temporal resolution, detect physiologically relevant variations in ROS concentration, and provide specificity toward different redox couples. Furthermore, for in vivo applications, bioavailability of sensors, tissue penetration, and a high signal-to-noise ratio are additional requirements to be satisfied.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

None of the presented techniques fulfill all requirements for clinical translation. The obvious way forward is to incorporate anatomical and functional imaging into a common hybrid-imaging platform. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 939-958.

In vivo evaluation of different alterations of redox status by studying pharmacokinetics of nitroxides using magnetic resonance techniques

Free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS), are involved in various pathologies, injuries related to radiation, ischemia-reperfusion or ageing. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to directly detect free radicals in vivo, but the redox status of the whole organism or particular organ can be studied in vivo by using magnetic resonance techniques (EPR and MRI) and paramagnetic stable free radicals - nitroxides. Here we review results obtained in vivo following the pharmacokinetics of nitroxides on experimental animals (and a few in humans) under various conditions. The focus was on conditions where the redox status has been altered by induced diseases or harmful agents, clearly demonstrating that various EPR/MRI/nitroxide combinations can reliably detect metabolically induced changes in the redox status of organs. These findings can improve our understanding of oxidative stress and provide a basis for studying the effectiveness of interventions aimed to modulate oxidative stress. Also, we anticipate that the in vivo EPR/MRI approach in studying the redox status can play a vital role in the clinical management of various pathologies in the years to come providing the development of adequate equipment and probes.

Electron paramagnetic resonance as a unique tool for skin and hair research

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and imaging (EPRI) are deeply rooted in the basic and quantum physics, but the spectrum of their applications in modern experimental and clinical dermatology and cosmetology is surprisingly wide. The main aim of this review was to show the physical foundation, technical limitations and versatility of this method in skin studies. Free radical and metal ion detection, EPR dosimetry, melanin study, spin trapping, spin labelling, oximetry and NO-metry, EPR imaging, new generation methods of EPR and EPR/NMR hybrid technology used under ex vivo and in vivo regime are portrayed in the context of clinical and experimental skin research to study problems such as oxidative and nitrosative stress generated by UV or inflammation, skin oxygenation, hydration of corneal layer of epidermis, transport and metabolism of drugs and cosmeceutics, skin carcinogenesis, skin tumors and many others. A part of the paper is devoted to hair and nail research. The review of dermatological applications of EPR is supplemented with a handful of advice concerning practical aspects of EPR experimentation and usage of EPR reagents.

Measuring brain tissue oxygenation under oxidative stress by ESR/MR dual imaging system

The in vivo measurement of oxygen in tissues is of great interest because of oxygen's fundamental role in life. Many methods have been developed for such measurement, but all have been limited, especially with regard to repeated measurement, degree of invasiveness, and sensitivity. We describe electron spin resonance (ESR) oximetry with paramagnetic oxygen-sensing probe for in vivo measurement of oxygen in brain tissues by home-made ESR/MR dual imaging spectroscopy. Lithium 5, 9, 14, 18, 23, 27, 32, 36-octa-n-butoxy-2,3-naphthlocyanine (LiNc-BuO) radical was employed as the solid oxygen-sensing probe, and we confirmed its ability to report partial pressure of oxygen (pO(2)) in brain tissues of live animals under normal and pathological conditions for more than a month. pO(2) measurements could also be made repeatedly on the same animal and at the same location. The implantation site of LiNc-BuO in examined rats was verified by 0.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Septic-shock rats were used to monitor tissue oxygenation during pathological state. A decline in pO(2) levels from severe hypotension during sepsis was detected, and generation of nitric oxide (NO) in brain tissues was confirmed by NO spin trapping. ESR oximetry using oxygen-sensing probe and NO spin-trapping can be used to monitor pO(2) change and NO production simultaneously and repeatedly at the same site in examined animals.