Effects of magnetic resonance imaging on polymorphonuclear neutrophil adhesion

Limited research has been performed concerning the effects of MR imaging on the immune system. In this study the influence of MR imaging exposure on polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) adhesion was evaluated. In vivo and in vitro studies were performed in 10 patients undergoing an MR imaging procedure, PMN adhesion to a plastic surface, as well as the expression of adhesion molecules beta 2-integrins CD11b, CD18, and L-selectin on the surface of PMN were estimated. Exposure to MR imaging significantly increased adhesion of isolated PMNs to plastic surfaces. PMNs from blood samples obtained from patients undergoing MR imaging as well as from blood samples placed beside patients during MR imaging did not differ from controls in adhesion to plastic surfaces. Similarly, plasma from three tested samples did not change control PMN adhesion to plastic surface. Expression of beta 2-integrins (CD11, CD18) was significantly increased in samples left beside patients during MR imaging, while significantly decreased in samples obtained from patients after MR imaging exposure when compared to control samples. Expression of the surface adhesion molecule L-selectin on the surface of PMN decreased significantly in blood samples left beside patients during MR imaging. The results indicate that the PMN adhesion properties increase under the influence of MR imaging exposure. This phenomenon may be the result of direct stimulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils by the exposure to MR imaging.