Name: in vivo 19f mri for cell tracking
Uploaded: 2013-11-25T21:10:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In vivo 19F MRI for Cell Tracking at JoVE.com

We would like to acknowledge Nadine Henn and Arend Heerschap for their valuable assistance. This work was supported by the Netherlands Institute of Regenerative Medicine (NIRM, FES0908), the EU FP7 program ENCITE (HEALTH-F5-2008-201842) and TargetBraIn (HEALTH-F2-2012-279017), a grant from the Volkswagen Foundation (I/83 443), the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (VENI 700.10.409 and Vidi 917.76.363), ERC (Advanced Grant 269019), and Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (AGIKO-2008-2-4).

Note: All experiments and procedures involving animals must be carried out in accordance with relevant ethical guidelines and conform with standard animal care and humane requirements.
1. Cell Labeling (Standard Protocol with Coincubation)
<ol>
	<li>Add 19F label8 to immature DCs at a concentration of 4 mg/106 cells (in 2 ml medium). Swirl gently to mix.</li>
	<li>Incubate the cells with the label for 3 days before maturing and harvesting the DCs.</li>
	<li>C...

<ol>
	<li>Srinivas, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Imaging+of+cellular+therapies.">Imaging of cellular therapies.</a> Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 62, 1080-1093 (2010).</li><li>de Vries, I. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+resonance+tracking+of+dendritic+cells+in+melanoma+patients+for+monitoring+of+cellular+therapy.">Magnetic resonance tracking of dendritic cells in melanoma patients for monitoring of cellular therapy.</a> Nat. Biotechnol. 23, 1407-1413 (2005).</li><li>Srinivas, M., Heerschap, A., Ahrens, E. T., Figdor, C. G., de Vries, I. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MRI+for+quantitative+in+vivo+cell+tracking.">MRI for quantitative in vivo cell tracking.</a> Trends Biotechnol. 28, 363-370 (2010).</li><li>Ruiz-Cabello, J., Barnett, B. P., Bottomley, P. A., Bulte, J. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluorine+(19F)+MRS+and+MRI+in+biomedicine.">Fluorine (19F) MRS and MRI in biomedicine.</a> NMR Biomed. 24, 114-129 (2011).</li><li>Stoll, G., Basse-Lusebrink, T., Weise, G., Jakob, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Visualization+of+inflammation+using+19F-magnetic+resonance+imaging+and+perfluorocarbons.">Visualization of inflammation using 19F-magnetic resonance imaging and perfluorocarbons.</a> Wires Nanomed. Nanobiol. 4, 438-447 (2012).</li><li>Srinivas, M., Boehm-Sturm, P., Figdor, C. G., de Vries, I. J., Hoehn, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Labeling+cells+for+in+vivo+tracking+using+(19)F.">Labeling cells for in vivo tracking using (19)F.</a> MRI. Biomaterials. 33, 8830-8840 (2012).</li><li>Ahrens, E. T., Flores, R., Xu, H., Morel, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vivo+imaging+platform+for+tracking+immunotherapeutic+cells.">In vivo imaging platform for tracking immunotherapeutic cells.</a> Nat. Biotechnol. 23, 983-987 (2005).</li><li>Srinivas, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Customizable,+multi-functional+fluorocarbon+nanoparticles+for+quantitative+in+vivo+imaging+using+19F+MRI+and+optical+imaging.">Customizable, multi-functional fluorocarbon nanoparticles for quantitative in vivo imaging using 19F MRI and optical imaging.</a> Biomaterials. 31, 7070-7077 (2010).</li><li>Boehm-Sturm, P., Mengler, L., Wecker, S., Hoehn, M., Kallur, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vivo+tracking+of+human+neural+stem+cells+with+19F+magnetic+resonance+imaging.">In vivo tracking of human neural stem cells with 19F magnetic resonance imaging.</a> PLoS One. 6, e29040 (2011).</li><li>Srinivas, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vivo+cytometry+of+antigen-specific+t+cells+using+(19)F.">In vivo cytometry of antigen-specific t cells using (19)F.</a> MRI. Magn. Reson. Med. , (2009).</li><li>Srinivas, M., Morel, P. A., Ernst, L. A., Laidlaw, D. H., Ahrens, E. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluorine-19+MRI+for+visualization+and+quantification+of+cell+migration+in+a+diabetes+model.">Fluorine-19 MRI for visualization and quantification of cell migration in a diabetes model.</a> Magn. Reson. Med. 58, 725-734 (2007).</li><li>Mangala Srinivas, E. T. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cellular+labeling+and+quantification+for+nuclear+magnetic+resonance+techniques.">Cellular labeling and quantification for nuclear magnetic resonance techniques.</a> US patent. , (2007).</li><li>Boehm-Sturm, P., Pracht, E. D., Aswendt, M., Henn, N., Hoehn, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. , (2012).</li><li>Insko, E. K., Bolinger, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mapping+of+the+Radiofrequency+Field.">Mapping of the Radiofrequency Field.</a> J. Magn. Res. A. 103, 82-85 (1993).</li><li>Haacke, E. M., Brown, R. W., Thompson, M. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Magnetic resonance imaging: physical principles and sequence design. , (1999).</li><li>Scheffler, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+pictorial+description+of+steady-states+in+rapid+magnetic+resonance+imaging.">A pictorial description of steady-states in rapid magnetic resonance imaging.</a> Concepts Magn. Res. 11, 291-304 (1999).</li><li>Firbank, M. J., Coulthard, A., Harrison, R. M., Williams, E. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparison+of+two+methods+for+measuring+the+signal+to+noise+ratio+on+MR+images.">A comparison of two methods for measuring the signal to noise ratio on MR images.</a> Phys. Med. Biol. 44, 261-264 (1999).</li><li>de Chickera, S. N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Labelling+dendritic+cells+with+SPIO+has+implications+for+their+subsequent+in+vivo+migration+as+assessed+with+cellular+MRI.">Labelling dendritic cells with SPIO has implications for their subsequent in vivo migration as assessed with cellular MRI.</a> Contrast Media Mol. Imaging. 6, 314-327 (2011).</li></ol>

The protocol outlined here describes the general procedure for in vivo 19F MRI cell tracking. Despite the described co-incubation method, there are several different protocols for labeling cells with a 19F agent. However, the co-incubation is most often used and can be further optimized e.g. by addition of transfection agents6. The actual cell labeling protocol will depend on the cell type. Only key labeling steps are described in the protocol here. Generally, the label ...

In vivo cell tracking is essential for the optimization and monitoring of cellular therapeutics1. Due to its noninvasive nature, imaging offers excellent opportunities to monitor cells in vivo. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is independent of ionizing radiation and allows a superior imaging resolution and intrinsic soft tissue contrast. MRI-based cell tracking has already been used clinically to follow dendritic cells in melanoma patients2. Conventional clinical MRI is carried out on the 1H nucleus, present in mobile water in tissues. It is also possible to carry out MRI on other active nuclei, such as 13C, 19F and 23Na. However, only 19F MRI has been applied successfully to in vivo cell tracking as it offers the highest sensitivity after 1H. The absence of MRI-detectable endogenous 19F in tissues permits high signal selectivity for the detection of exogenous 19F contrast agents and allows quantification of fluorine concentration directly from the image data. For a detailed discussion on 19F MRI, see3-5. A key issue with 19F MRI is the need to develop and optimize suitable 19F cell labels, although several labels have been developed, with a trend towards multimodal agents6.
The protocol we describe here is based on studies by our groups7-9, including the first articles that described in vivo quantitative 19F MRI-based cell tracking10,11. The general procedure of cell tracking using 19F MRI is summarized in Figure 1. We describe a general protocol for labeling and imaging of dendritic cells (DCs) using a custom-made perfluorocarbon contrast agent8. The imaging protocol is generally applicable to different cell types, labels and animal models. The cell type and animal model described here should only be taken as an example, and thus we do not provide details on the cell isolation and labeling, but rather focus on the imaging protocol. Modifications will be necessary for each label, cell type, animal model, and imaging setup, and these can be found in the literature or may need to be optimized by the researchers. Some common modifications are included in the discussion.

<table border="1">
		<tbody>
		 <tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>REAGENTS</td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>PBS</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>MFCD00131855</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>TFA</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>76-05-1 </td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Ketamine (Ketavet)</td>
			<td>Pfizer</td>
			<td>778-551</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Xylazine (Rompun)</td>
			<td>Bayer</td>
			<td>QN05 cm92</td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>Ophtosan </td>
			<td>Produlab Pharma</td>
			<td>2702</td>
			<td>eye ointment</td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Material name </td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>MRI scanner</td>
			<td>Bruker Biospec</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		 <tr>
			<td>NMR spectrometer</td>
			<td>Bruker Biospec</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		 </tr>
		</tbody>
 </table>

in vivo 19f mri for cell tracking

In vivo 19F MRI allows quantitative cell tracking without the use of ionizing radiation. It is a noninvasive technique that can be applied to humans. Here, we describe a general protocol for cell labeling, imaging, and image processing. The technique is applicable to various cell types and animal models, although here we focus on a typical mouse model for tracking murine immune cells. The most important issues for cell labeling are described, as these are relevant to all models. Similarly, key imaging parameters are listed, although the details will vary depending on the MRI system and the individual setup. Finally, we include an image processing protocol for quantification. Variations for this, and other parts of the protocol, are assessed in the Discussion section. Based on the detailed procedure described here, the user will need to adapt the protocol for each specific cell type, cell label, animal model, and imaging setup. Note that the protocol can also be adapted for human use, as long as clinical restrictions are met.

Here we show the typical results for a protocol involving the transfer of 19F-labeled cells homing to a draining lymph node. Figure 2 shows a 19F NMR spectrum of 106 labeled cells using a TFA reference. The imaging setup was carried out as described in the protocol (Figure 3). For the in vivo imaging, we used a reference consisting of a sealed cylinder of the same label used for the cells placed between the feet of the mouse. A representative pro...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about In vivo 19F MRI for Cell Tracking at JoVE.com

In vivo 19F MRI for Cell Tracking

We describe a general protocol for in vivo cell tracking using MRI in a mouse model with ex vivo labeled cells. A typical protocol for cell labeling, image acquisition processing and quantification is included.

In vivo 19F MRI for Cell Tracking

In vivo 19F MRI allows quantitative cell tracking without the use of ionizing radiation. It is a noninvasive technique that can be applied to humans. ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Sequential In vivo Imaging of Osteogenic Stem/Progenitor Cells During Fracture Repair

Sequential In vivo Imaging of Osteogenic Stem/Progenitor Cells During Fracture Repair

Bone turns over continuously and is highly regenerative following injury. Osteogenic stem/progenitor cells have long been hypothesized to exist, but in ...

Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging

Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging

Candida albicans biofilm development on biotic and/or abiotic surfaces represents a specific threat for hospitalized patients. So far, C. albicans ...

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology

A technological platform (MediGuide) has been recently introduced for non-fluoroscopic catheter tracking. In several studies, we have demonstrated that ...

In Vivo Imaging and Tracking of Technetium-99m Labeled Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Equine Tendinopathy

In Vivo Imaging and Tracking of Technetium-99m Labeled Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Equine Tendinopathy

Recent advances in the application of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) for the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries in the horse suggest ...

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring

Several in vivo pre-clinical studies in Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) utilize orthologous rodent models to identify and study the genetic and molecular ...

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) contains a subset of exclusively tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) which have been shown to drive tumor ...

Depletion of Mouse Cells from Human Tumor Xenografts Significantly Improves Downstream Analysis of Target Cells

The use of in vitro cell line models for cancer research has been a useful tool. However, it has been shown that these models fail to reliably mimic ...

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cerebral malaria is a sign of severe malarial disease and is often a harbinger of death. While aggressive management can be life-saving, the detection of ...

In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur

In Vivo Evaluation of Fracture Callus Development During Bone Healing in Mice Using an MRI-compatible Osteosynthesis Device for the Mouse Femur

Endochondral fracture healing is a complex process involving the development of fibrous, cartilaginous, and osseous tissue in the fracture callus. The ...

Whole-brain Segmentation and Change-point Analysis of Anatomical Brain MRI&#8212;Application in Premanifest Huntington's Disease

Recent advances in MRI offer a variety of useful markers to identify neurodegenerative diseases. In Huntington&#39;s disease (HD), regional brain atrophy ...