Detection of drug-induced vasculitis using in vivo MRI

Abstract

Drug-induced vasculitis is difficult to monitor in clinical trials, as the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated and no specific/sensitive biomarkers are known to date. So, it is one of the major challenges in drug development. We conducted in vivo MRI, a powerful imaging technique in clinic, to clarify whether drug-induced vasculitis in rats can be detected.

Rats were administered fenoldopam mesylate and 11.7 T MRI were performed. The mesenteric arteries were evaluated ex vivo/in vivo MRI and histopathological evaluation. Vasculitis was detectable by ex vivo and in vivo MRI.