Detection of apoptosis by [(18)F]ML-10 after cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury in mice

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial infarction leads to ischemic heart disease and cell death, which is still a major obstacle in western society. In vivo imaging of apoptosis, a defined cascade of cell death, could identify myocardial tissue at risk. METHODS: Using 2-(5-[(18)F]fluoropentyl)-2-methyl-malonic acid ([(18)F]ML-10) in autoradiography and positron emission tomography (PET) visualized apoptosis in a mouse model of transient ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([(18)F]FDG) PET imaging indicated the defect area. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) histology stain indicated cardiac apoptosis. RESULTS: [(18)F]ML-10 uptake was evident in the ischemic area after transient LAD ligation in ex vivo autoradiography and in vivo PET imaging. Detection of [(18)F]ML-10 is in line with the defect visualized by [(18)F]FDG and the histological approach of TUNEL staining. CONCLUSION: The tracer [(18)F]ML-10 is suitable for detecting apoptosis after transient LAD ligation in mice.