A low-molecular-weight ditopic MRI probe for ratiometric sensing of zwitterionic amino acid neurotransmitters.

We report a novel ditopic Gd(iii)-based probe selective to zwitterionic amino acid neurotransmitters (ZNTs) crafted for ratiometric MRI imaging. The probe displayed increased binding affinity to ZNTs and non-synchronized concentration-dependent changes of the r1- and r2-relaxivity. Through the application of a T2/T1 weighted MRI strategy, we demonstrated signal enhancement for cooperatively bound glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid ZNTs over competitive hydrogencarbonate, which remained MR silent.

In-depth Study of a Novel Class of Ditopic Gadolinium(III)-based MRI Probes Sensitive to Zwitterionic Neurotransmitters.

The efficacy of Gd-based low-molecular weight ditopic MRI probes on binding zwitterionic neurotransmitters (ZNTs) relies on their structural compatibility. ZNTs are challenging biomarkers for monitoring chemical neurotransmission due to their intrinsic complexity as target molecules. In this work, we focus on tuning the cyclen- and azacrown ether-based binding sites properties to increase the affinity toward ZNTs.

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Paramagnetic complexes of gadolinium(III) with acyclic or macrocyclic chelates are the most commonly used contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Their purpose is to enhance the relaxation rate of water protons in tissue, thus increasing the MR image contrast and the specificity of the MRI measurements. Current clinically approved contrast agents are low molecular weight molecules that are rapidly cleared from the body.