The University of Texas System

Shanrong Zhang

A Dean Sherry

Kuangcong Wu

The present invention is directed, in general, to contrast agents (CA), and methods and systems of using such agents for producing image contrast based on a magnetization transfer (MT) mechanism. The CA comprises a tetraazacyclododecane ligand having pendent arms R, R', R&#x2033; and R&#x2032;&#x2033; that are amides having a general formula: &#x2014;CRH&#x2014;CO&#x2014;NH&#x2014;CH&#x2014;R. Rincludes organic substituents and Ris not hydrogen. A paramagnetic metal ion (M) is coordinated to the ligand. The method, comprises subjecting a CA, in a sample, to a radio frequency pulse. The CA has pendent arms R, R&#x2032;, R&#x2033; and R&#x2032;&#x2033; comprising organic substituents and the ligand further includes a M and a water molecule. A signal is obtained by applying a radio frequency pulse at a resonance frequency of the water molecule. The magnetic resonance system, comprises a magnetic resonance apparatus and the CA, the agent containing a ligand having the above described general formula.

Paramagnetic metal ion-based macrocyclic magnetization transfer contrast agents and method of use

A composition and method is disclosed for providing a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent that is sensitive to pH, the compound and salts thereof including, a tetraaza base having a spacer at each of the amide groups, and a proton exchange attached to each of the spacer molecules, wherein the proton exchange group groups mediate proton exchange with water molecules that are trapped within the tetraaza base molecule.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

Shanrong Zhang