Computational Model for Comparative Analysis of MRI Contrast Agents

Abstract

The efficacy of MRI contrast agents (CAs) is not only determined by their pharmacokinetic properties but also by their magnetic properties as given by their T1 -and T2 -relaxivities [1,2]. It is very important to conduct comparative investigation on a large number of MRI CAs because their properties are dependent on different physiological environments (PEs) & binding to macromolecules in the blood [2]. Hence, different CAs are designed for different imaging objectives. However, the individual linearities of relaxation rates vs concentration is difficult to quantify using the experimental measurements in a wider concentration range due to the large amount of samples investigated at several magnetic field strengths and in different solvents [2]. Hence, we have developed a model and computer program for comparative analysis of NMR profiles of CAs in different PEs.