Academic Editor: Zhonghua Sun
This study aimed to prepare an anti-Vascular cell adhesion protein 1
(VCAM-1) nanoscale ultrasound microbubble contrast agent using the hyperbranched
self-assembly method for the molecular imaging diagnosis of atherosclerotic
vulnerable plaques in rabbits. Twenty-five rabbits with carotid atherosclerosis
were randomly divided into 5 groups, and the ear vein was injected with agents as
follows: Groups A and B: nanoscale ultrasound
microbubble contrast agent with and without anti-VCAM-1 agent; Groups C and D:
SonoVue ultrasonic microbubble contrast agent, with and without anti-VCAM-1
agent; Control group: saline. The molecular imaging diagnosis of the
atherosclerotic plaque, involved the examination of its vulnerability in the
rabbit carotid artery was performed using the contrast ultrasound mode. The
arrival and peaking time of the anti-VCAM-1 nanoscale ultrasound microbubble
contrast agent (Group A) for plaque occurred earlier than those of the other
groups (p