In vivo MR Imaging of Islet Transplantation

The goal of this study was to develop non-invasive methods to image transplanted islets.
In clinical practice these methods can help to obtain essential information regarding the location, function, and viability of transplanted islets repeatedly and non-invasively.

In vivo imaging:

• Contrast agent (MN-NIRF): magnetic nanoparticles (MN) consisting of superparamagnetic iron core covered with modified dextran coating and modified with a Cy5.5 (NIRF) dye.
• Animals: diabetic NOD.SCID mice transplanted with MN-NIRF under the kidney capsule.
• Imaging: T2-weighted MR and NIRF at various points after the transplantation.