Gadolinium-hematoporphyrin: new potential MRI contrast agent for detection of breast cancer cell line

ABSTRACT

Gadolinium-porphyrins have been synthesized and are currently being investigated as magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] contrast agents. This study aimed to synthesize Gd-hematoporphyrin and applicate it for in vitro detection of breast cancer cell line [MCF-7]. The naturally occurring porphyrin [hematoporphyrin] was inserted with gadolinium [III] nitrate hexahydrate to yield Gd-H. T1 relaxation times and signal enhancement of the contrast agents were presented, and the results were compared. UV spectrophotometer measured the attachment of Gd to the cell membrane of MCF-7. Most of gadolinium chloride [GdCl3] was found in the washing solution, indicate that it didn't fixed to the breast cell membranes during incubation. Gd-DTPA showed some uptake into the MCF-7 cell membranes with incubation, however, its uptake was significantly lower than Gd-H. Good cell memberan uptake of Gd-porphyrin is comparable to controls, indicating selective delivery it to the breast cell line and considerable potency in diagnostic MR imaging for detection of breast cancer