Delivery of Indocyanine Green, a Photosensitizer, Into Balloon-Injured Atherosclerotic Plaque of Hyperlipidemic New Zealand Rabbits - Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Indocyanine Green (ICG) has been demonstrated to be a potent photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. Although most of the work on ICG has been focused on its potential applications as photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment, ICG may have potential clinical use in the treatment of atherosclerosis, both de novo and in restenosis.
Methods: The purpose of this study was to determine the uptake of ICG in balloon-injured atherosclerotic plaque in the rabbit. Twenty New-Zealand rabbits were rendered atherosclerotic and after balloon dilatation of the plaque, ICG was injected locally in the aorta. Different contact times of ICG with the plaque were tested. Results: Twenty minutes after local ICG injection, fluorescence of atheromatous plaques of the aorta and iliacs was detected with a fluorescence microscope (Zeiss Axiovert).Conclusion: This study proves accumulation of ICG in atherosclerotic plaque after local delivery. These findings provide a basis for the utilization of ICG for plaque identification and for ICG-PDT in atherosclerosis.