There is a growing interest in Mn based MRI contrast agents. This is driven largely by concerns over established and potential toxicity related to the Gd present in commercially available MRI contrast agents. Rationally designed Mn complexes provide an attractive Gd-free MRI contrast alternative. The Mn(2+) ion is capable of generating MRI contrast that is comparable to Gd(3+) but unlike Gd, Mn is an essential nutritional element that can be incorporated or eliminated by the human body. In this regard, we invented the complex Mn-PyC3A which provides equivalent MRI contrast and pharmacokinetics to Gd-based standard of care – Mn-PyC3A is thus a potentially direct replacement for commercial Gd-based agents in any contrast-enhanced MRI indication. Mn complexes also hold tremendous promise as “activatable” MRI contrast agents. Mn has many physiologically tenable oxidation states and each is magnetically distinct, thus enabling modulation of the MRI signal in response to biochemical stimuli. We have developed redox active Mn complexes that provide biochemically responsive MR signal modulation that is greater than is possible with Gd at any field strength. Mn-52 is positron emitting isotope (t1/2 = 5.6 days) that is ideally suited for quantitative MR-PET characterization of Mn-based MRI contrast agents. Our group recently began Mn-52 radiolabeling studies in order to better characterize the in vivo behavior and fate of our complexes. Here, we will discuss the critical role that Mn-52 has played in developing our Mn-based MRI contrast agent technology.

Mn-52 radiolabelling for quantitative characterization of Mn-based MRI contrast agents

256th National Meeting (2018)

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