Carbamoyl-PROXYL-enhanced MRI detects very small disruptions in brain vascular permeability induced by dietary cholesterol

► Hypercholesterolemia-induced disruptions of vascular permeability in the brain. ► New MRI approach for detection of very small disruptions of vascular permeability. ► For this purpose, carbamoyl-PROXYL is most appropriate contrast probe than Gd. ► Dietary cholesterol increases the level of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9. ► Dietary cholesterol increases the level of plasma neutrophils.