Abstract
Objectives: We sought to investigate the usefulness of integrated positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) for in vivo characterization of an angiogenesis-directed molecular intervention. Background: Controversies about the effectiveness of molecular therapies for cardiovascular disease have prompted the need for more powerful noninvasive imaging techniques. Methods: In a model of regional adenoviral transfer of the VEGF121 gene to myocardium of healthy pigs, PET-CT using multiple molecular-directed radiotracers was employed. Results: Two days after gene transfer, successful transgene expression was noninvasively confirmed by a reporter probe targeting co-expressed HSV1-sr39tk reporter gene. The CT-derived ventricular function and morphology remained unaltered (left ventricular ejection fraction 57 ± 5% in adenovirus-injected animals vs. 53 ± 5% in controls; p = 0.36). Increased regional perfusion was identified in areas overexpressing VEGF (myocardial blood flow during adenosine-induced vasodilation 1.47 ± 0.49 vs. 1.14 ± 0.27 ml/g/min in remote areas; p = 0.01), corroborating in vivo effects on microvascular tone and permeability. Finally, regional angiogenesis-associated αvβ3 integrin expression was not enhanced, suggesting little contribution to the perfusion increase. Fusion of CT morphology and tracer-derived molecular signals allowed for accurate regional localization of biologic signals. Findings were validated by control vectors, sham-operated animals, and ex vivo tissue analysis. Conclusions: Integrated PET-CT has the potential to dissect cardiovascular biologic mechanisms from gene expression to physiologic function and morphology. The VEGF overexpression in healthy myocardium increases myocardial perfusion without significant up-regulation of αvβ3 integrin adhesion molecules early after the intervention.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2107-2115 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of the American College of Cardiology |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 21 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine