In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detection of Early Endothelial Activation in Mouse Atherosclerosis Using Dual-Targeted Microparticles of Iron Oxide

Study rationale: Microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO), targeting P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), can detect endothelial inflammation in advanced mouse atherosclerosis. However, the sensitivity of MPIO for detecting early endothelial activation has not been established. We hypothesized that dual-targeted MPIO can detect endothelial adhesion molecules in early atherosclerosis and discriminate differential expression over time by in vivo MRI.