The biodistribution of [153Gd]Gd-labeled magnetic resonance contrast agents in a transgenic mouse model of renal failure differs greatly from control mice

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis occurs in renally impaired patients who have undergone contrast enhanced MR examination using intravenous gadolinium‐based contrast agents. The effect of impaired kidney function on the biodistribution of gadolinium‐based contrast agents was investigated using radiolabeled 153/Natgadolinium‐DOTA, 153/Natgadolinium‐DTPA, and 153/Natgadolinium‐DTPA‐BMA in a transgenic mouse model of renal impairment. Renally impaired animals had more activity associated with their tissues than did control mice, and this increase varied according to the radiotracer injected. For example, after 7 days, renally impaired animals that received 153/NatGd‐DOTA had 3‐fold (P < 0.037) more activity in their bone tissue, whereas renally impaired animals receiving 153/NatGd‐DTPA and 153/NatGd‐DTPA‐BMA had 8‐fold (P < 0.0001) and 24‐fold (P < 0.0001) more activity in their bone tissue, respectively. These findings demonstrate that renal impairment dramatically alters the tissue distribution of Gd3+ ions in vivo, which are likely a critical factor in the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.