Method for Functional Kidney Imaging Using Small Dendrimer Contrast Agents
Description of Invention:
The invention is a method for functional kidney imaging using small dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents that transiently accumulate in renal tubules. The accumulation enables visualization of renal structure and function, permitting assessment of structural and functional damage to the kidneys. Six small dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents have been synthesized, and their pharmacokinetics, whole body retention and renal MRI images were evaluated in mice. Surprisingly, despite having unequal renal clearance properties, all of the dendrimer agents clearly visualized the renal anatomy and proximal straight tubules of the mice better than Gd-[DTPA]-dimeglumine. Dendrimer conjugate contrast agents prepared from PAMAM-G2D, DAB-G3D and DAB-G2D dendrimers were excreted rapidly and may be acceptable for use in clinical applications.
Inventors:
Martin Brechbiel (NCI) Robert Star (NIDDK) et al.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-151-2002/0 --
U.S. Patent 6,852,842 issued 08 Feb 2005
For Additional Information Please Contact: Michael Shmilovich J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5019
Email: shmilovm@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
