Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in diagnostic medicine. MRI uses the static magnetic field to polarize nuclei spins, fast-switching magnetic field gradients to generate temporal and spatial resolution, and radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic waves to control the spin orientation. All these forms of magnetic static and electromagnetic RF fields interact with human tissue and cells. However, reports on the MRI technique’s effects on the cells and human body are often inconsistent or contradictory. In both research and clinical MRI, recent progress in improving sensitivity and resolution is associated with the increased magnetic field strength of MRI magnets. Additionally, to improve the contrast of the images, the MRI technique often employs contrast agents, such as gadolinium-based Dotarem, with effects on cells and organs that are still disputable and not fully understood. Application of higher magnetic fields requires revisiting previously observed or potentially possible bio-effects. This article focuses on the influence of a static magnetic field gradient with and without a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent (Dotarem) and the cellular and molecular effects of Dotarem on macrophages.
Highlights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in diagnostic medicine to visualize the anatomy, structure, and physiology of patients’ organs
To address the issue of static magnetic field interaction and its effect on living cells, we studied the effects of applying a nonuniform magnetic field with and without a paramagnetic contrast agent (i.e., Dotarem) on cultured mouse macrophages
The number of macrophages aggregated in the corners was 18 times higher (1800) than when the contrast agent was not added
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in diagnostic medicine to visualize the anatomy, structure, and physiology (for example, blood flow) of patients’ organs. Depending on the type of ligand, gadolinium-based contrast agents are divided into two categories: (a) the linear, where the flexible open chain of an organic molecule wraps around a central paramagnetic Gd3+ ion, or (b) the macrocyclic, when the ligand is preorganized into a rigid molecular cage that chelates the ion [12,13]. In recent years, the use of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic contrast agents has become more common to further enhance the contrast and specificity of MRI Such additions, due to the fact of their magnetic properties, are expected to increase magnetic field-related mechanical forces generated by uniform or/and nonuniform magnetic fields. To address the issue of static magnetic field interaction and its effect on living cells, we studied the effects of applying a nonuniform magnetic field with and without a paramagnetic contrast agent (i.e., Dotarem) on cultured mouse macrophages. Because the RhoA pathway is regulated by mechanotransduction, we initiated studies on the effect of the magnetic field gradient on macrophages
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