Figure 4.
Molecular imaging of aortic angiogenesis with targeted perfluorocarbon nanoparticles targeted to the α ν β 3-integrin. Images show the abdominal aorta of an obese JCR rat (a) and an obese rat treated with benfluorex (b) at baseline (Bsl) and 2 hours (2 hr) after injection of nanoparticles. High MRI signal enhancement (Enhancement map) was observed in the untreated obese animal, indicating active angiogenesis in the aortic wall to support the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Benfluorex reduced the aortic enhancement in the treated animal, suggesting reduced angiogenesis in the vessel wall. Reprinted with permission from [36].