Vulnerable Plaque Detection and Quantification with Gold Particle-Enhanced Computed Tomography in Atherosclerotic Mouse Models

Recently, an apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mouse model with a mutation (C1039G+/-) in the fibrillin-1 (Fbn1) gene (ApoE(-/-)Fbn1(C1039G+/-) mouse model) was developed showing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, prone to rupture, in contrast to the ApoE(-/-) mouse model, where mainly stable plaques are present. One indicator of plaque vulnerability is the level of macrophage infiltration. Therefore, this study aimed to measure and quantify in vivo the macrophage infiltration related to plaque development and progression. For this purpose, 5-weekly consecutive gold nanoparticle-enhanced micro-computed tomography (microCT) scans were acquired. Histology confirmed that the presence of contrast agent coincided with the presence of macrophages. Based on the microCT scans, regions of the artery wall with contrast agent present were calculated and visualized in three dimensions. From this information, the contrast-enhanced area and contrast-enhanced centerline length were calculated for the branches of the carotid bifurcation (common, external, and internal carotid arteries). Statistical analysis showed a more rapid development and a larger extent of plaques in the ApoE(-/-)Fbn1(C1039G+/-) compared to the ApoE(-/-) mice. Regional differences between the branches were also observable and quantifiable. We developed and applied a methodology based on gold particle-enhanced microCT to visualize the presence of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques in vivo.