A longitudinal 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) study in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout rats fed with a Western diet
Xiaoqing Zhuang, Yue Feng, Juan Li, Feng Zhao, Yu Zhang, Yue Chen
Abstract
BACKGROUND: F-NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). METHODS: F-NaF was performed at 12, 27, and 46 weeks of age. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used as an atlas template, and the uptake of the tracers in the cardiovascular system was analyzed based on atlas 3D geometry volumes-of-interest (VOIs). After the PET/CT study, pathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on the corresponding lesions. RESULTS: F-NaF was found in pulmonary arteries. The uptake of the two tracers in the ApoE group increased with time. Extensive early stage of atherosclerotic plaques, with high expression of CD68 and alizarin red, were observed in pulmonary arteries. However, only a thickened intima with very high expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) was seen in the aortic arch. CONCLUSIONS: F-FDG failed to accumulate in these lesions but to accumulate in the aortic arch with only neointimal hyperplasia and significantly high expression of hypoxia.