Detection of experimental myocardium infarction in rats by MRI using heat shock protein 70 conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle

Contrast agents have an important role in the magnetic resonance imaging of cardiovascular diseases. Novel coated with stress-inducible 70-kDa heat shock protein superparamagnetic nanoparticles (Hsp70-SPIOns) were developed for detection of acute myocardial infarction. The obtained magnetic conjugates exhibit the properties of negative MR contrast agents. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Hsp70-SPIONs incorporated into the cells via CD40-mediated endocytosis. In vivo experiments confirmed the high contrast enhancement abilities of Hsp70-conjugated nanoparticles for detection of the infarcted region. The study demonstrated that an acute infarct can be visualized by standard T2-weighted sequences of MRI using Hsp70-functionalized SPION conjugates.110