Method for intracellular magnetic labeling of human mononuclear cells using approved iron contrast agents

A method for intracellular iron labeling of human mononuclear cells (lympho cytes and monocytes) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using simple incu bation of cells with approved MRI iron contrast agents Is presented. Labele d cells can be detected by MRI in vitro, and this suggests the possibility that the technique could become a marker for in vivo lymphocyte and monocyt e trafficking studies in acute inflammatory lesions such as those in Multip le Sclerosis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.