Ultrasonic molecular imaging of primordial angiogenic vessels in rabbit and mouse models with /spl alpha//sub v//spl beta//sub 3/ -integrin targeted nanoparticles using information-theoretic signal detection: results at high frequency and in the clinical diagnostic frequency range

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of image-based identification of nanoparticle targeted angiogenic neovasculature using backscattered ultrasound in several frequency ranges (7 to 15 and ~20- 35MHz). We employed a liquid-perfluorocarbon nanoparticle contrast agent to target the expression of αvβ3 in tumors implanted two different animal models. Ten K14-HPV16 transgenic mice were treated with either normal saline (n=5) or 0.3 mg/kg i.v. of αvβ3-targeted nanoparticles (n=5) and imaged dynamically for two hours using a research ultrasound imager (Vevo 660 30MHz probe) modified to store digitized RF waveforms. Data were analyzed for all mice at all times post-injection using conventional grayscale and C H (an information-theoretic quantity). These data demonstrate the ability and complementarity of information-theoretic receivers in conjunction with targeted nanoparticles to elucidate the presence of αvβ3-integrins in primordial neovasculature, particularly in acoustically unfavorable environments.

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