Relaxation enhancement using liposomes carrying paramagnetic species.

Studies were performed to investigate the effects upon the relaxation times of mouse organs of intravenously administered Mn-DTPA entrapped in multilamellar liposomes, Mn-DTPA, 0.9% NaCl entrapped in liposomes, 0.9% NaCl. Manganese concentrations in injectates and tissues were assessed with 54Mn and atomic absorption. T1 and T2 of freshly excised tissues were measured in an NMR spectrometer at 20 MHz and 37% C with IR and CPMG sequences. Entrapment of Mn-DTPA in liposomes increased 54Mn accumulation in liver by 207% and in spleen 1208% and reduced 54Mn in heart by 20% and in kidney by 24% relative to free Mn-DTPA. Statistically significant increases in relaxation rates were produced. However, the increase in relaxation rate per unit concentration of Mn in tissue is reduced by 31% in liver and 62% in spleen when Mn is delivered inside liposomes. These observations have implications for the design of NMR contrast agents.