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AP39-TSP – a molecular probe for the imaging of rheumatoid arthritis in subtalar joints in vivo

23.08.2010

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease which affects approx. 1 % of the population. For supplying the fast growing inflamed tissue with nutrients, new vessels are created (angiogenesis). An established angiogenesis marker is the oncofetal isoform of fibronectin (FN) which contains an additional domain called "extra domain B" (ED-B). In adults, this isoform is found exclusively in the modified extracellular matrix which surrounds newly built blood vessels. Therefore, an ED-B-binding, fluorescent antibody conjugate (AP39-TSC) was used as a molecular contrast agent to detect inflammations. With a highly sensitive laser imaging system developed by PTB for molecular imaging, the ED-B expression was analysed in inflammated joints in vivo for the first time. Thereby, a statistically significant increase in the fluorescence contrast was detected in joints affected by moderate to severe arthritis in comparison with the control joints. The work was carried out in collaboration with Bayer Schering Pharma AG and the Institute for Radiology of the Charité Berlin. It was financially supported by the Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) and co-funded by the EU (European Regional Development Fund, EFRE).

 

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