Gadolinium‐labeled liposomes containing paramagnetic amphipathic agents: Targeted MRI contrast agents for the liver

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Abstract
Unique paramagnetic liposomal contrast agents were synthesized and utilized for se lective augmentation of TI MR imaging of the livers of normal Balb/c mice. Amphipathic gadolinium complexes, which mimic phospholipids, were incorporated into the lamella of small unilamellar liposomes (SUV) such that they became an integral part of its surface. T 1 signal enhancement of normal liver approached 150% after iv administra- tion of the paramagnetic liposomes, determined by experiments performed on a 1.9-T, experimental whole-body MRI unit. Tracer studies utilizing gadolinium- 153-tagged SUV revealed that the agents exhibited excellent in vivo stability, compared to liposomal preparations in which paramagnetic agents are simply entrapped in the aqueous core of the liposome vesicle. © 1988 Academic Press, Inc.