Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for anatomical imaging and clinical diagnosis by observing variations in water signal intensity of tissues. Exogenous contrast agents are administered to patients when MRI contrast enhancement is necessary. Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) is a new type of contrast agent based on exchange of nuclear spins from protons in a small �pool� of contrast agent to a larger bulk water �pool� of protons via saturation of spins at a particular radio frequency.  In this manner, the small �pool� is irradiated while the large �pool� is detected.  Contrast may be switched on or off with application of particular radio frequency pulses.  Improved contrast-to-noise can be obtained by utilizing paramagnetic high spin iron(II) complexes in which the ligand contains exchangeable �NH or �OH protons that exhibit highly shifted resonances upon complexation to the paramagnetic metal.  ParaCEST efficiency and stability of different iron(II)-containing azamacrocycles were studied.

Paramagnetic iron(II) azamacrocycle complexes as paraCEST contrast agents for MRI

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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