Fig. 5.

Comparison between targeted and conventional MRI probes. First panel (a) demonstrates a comparison between EP2104-R and gadobutrol (as a clinically used non-targeted MRI contrast agent) in periventricular inflammation. EP2104-R presented greater reduction in longitudinal relaxation time (p = .006, n = 3, paired one-tailed t-test, E2.9) compared to gadobutrol at Gd ion-matched dose (20-min delay post-administration). M ± SEM. Panel b shows increased longitudinal relaxation times (p = .005, n = 3, independent sample two-tailed t-test, E2.11) in large EAE lesions compared to controls. M ± SEM. Last panel (c) demonstrates a representative late active EAE plaque in the internal capsule with increased longitudinal relaxation time. LA-ICP MS revealed an abundance of iron and corresponding immunohistopathology presented a large immune cell conglomerate with extensive myelin damage. Scale bars, 500 µm. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. **p-value < .01. ns, non-significant