Hyperpolarized 15N-pyridine derivatives as pH-sensitive MRI agents.

Highly sensitive MR imaging agents that can accurately and rapidly monitor changes in pH would have diagnostic and prognostic value for many diseases. Here, we report an investigation of hyperpolarized (15)N-pyridine derivatives as ultrasensitive pH-sensitive imaging probes. These molecules are easily polarized to high levels using standard dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) techniques and their (15)N chemical shifts were found to be highly sensitive to pH. These probes displayed sharp (15)N resonances and large differences in chemical shifts (Δδ > 90 ppm) between their free base and protonated forms. These favorable features make these agents highly suitable candidates for the detection of small changes in tissue pH near physiological values.