Figure 3.

Comparison of contrast agents in the Kras–p53 mouse model. Saline, iopamidol, and iodinated lipid agents were compared with an inorganic nanoparticulate product in regard to contrast enhancement of lung tumors in Kras–p53 mice (n = 3). (A) The iodinated lipid contrast agent faintly distinguished between the heart (H), major blood vessels (asterisks), and tumor (arrows) but was unable to accurately outline the tumor nodule. The nanoparticle-based agent highlighted the chambers of heart and major and minor blood vessels and clearly demarcated the tumor nodule from heart and blood vessels (tumor nodule A). (B) Saline and iopamidol failed to differentiate between blood vessels and tumor nodules, whereas the nanoparticule-based product readily differentiated the heart, blood vessels, and tumor nodules (nodules A and B).