Molecular magnetic resonance imaging allows the detection of activated platelets in a new mouse model of coronary artery thrombosis

Abstract

Objective: The final event leading to myocardial infarction is adhesion and activation of platelets after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, ending in thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery. Imaging of imminent vessel occlusion may improve patient care. The feasibility of molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of coronary artery thrombosis in mice was examined. Materials and Methods: The left anterior descending coronary artery was exposed by lateral thoracotomy and incubated with ferric chloride to induce nonocclusive thrombosis in C57Bl/6 mice. A single chain antibody targeting ligand-induced binding sites (LIBS) of the activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa or contr..