A1-E1 & A2-E2 &
A3-E3, DE-MRI images and R1
relaxation rate maps after injection of Gd-TESMA show progressive enhancement of
the brachiocephalic artery and vessel wall relaxation rate with disease
progression compared with control and statin-treated mice.
F1-F3, DE-MRI and R1 maps
after injecting the scrambled peptide (DOTA-GAESAPLVSSVQSPD) shows less vessel
wall enhancement and relaxation rate. A4-E4,
Van Gieson elastin staining shows the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
A5-E5, A6-E6 and
A7-E7, Immunohistochemistry shows
accumulation of tropoelastin molecules (dark purple staining) in the lesion
(n=10 per group). DE-MRI: delayed-enhanced MRI, TESMA: tropoelastin-specific MR
contrast agent, HFD: high-fat diet.