Contrast Agents:
Micro-CT Portfolio
Visualize more than bone structure with ease
Overview
Viscover provides the broadest portfolio of imaging agentstailored for your pre-clinical micro-CT studies.
ExiTron contrast agents have been specifically developed to provide micro-CT with long sought-after soft-tissue contrast. Novel nanomaterials help extend the application of any micro- CT far beyond mere bone scans.
A unique portfolio to meet the demands of CT
Our innovative ExiTron agents enable targeted high resolution imaging of tumors and organs with ease.
- Exceptional high-resolution CT angiography
- Long-term organ-specific (liver/spleen) imaging
- Monitoring of cardiovascular pathologies
- Tumor vascularization and angiogenesis studies
- Imaging of brown adipose tissue
- PET/CT imaging studies with enhanced soft-tissue CT contrast
- Therapeutic efficacy monitoring
Discover how you can advance your micro-CT research
This illustrated guide of ExiTron contrast agents assists you in identifying the optimal contrast agent for your particular application.
CT Contrast Agent Portfolio
Exitron
ExiTron MyoC 8000 is an innovative nanoparticulate agent optimized for CT studies of the myocardium. Its accumulation in healthy myocardial tissue as well as its high iodine concentration and long blood half-life enable visualization of pathological changes of the myocardium as well as functional cardiac imaging. The unique nanoparticulate agent for CT of the myocardium: Apply ExiTron MyoC 8000 to: Physico-chemical properties and structure Mean hydrodynamic diameter: Hounsfield units (undiluted agent): Left: Axial, coronal and sagittal CT images (from left to right) of a healthy mouse (upper row) and a mouse model of myocardial infarction (lower row) using ExiTron MyoC 8000. The red arrows indicate the non-enhanced infarct region. Right: Timecourse of Signal enhancement in the blood and myocardium of mice after injection of ExiTron MyoC 8000. Download Application Note –In vivo µCT of the myocardium Order no: ExiTron™ MyoC 8000 CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 701 Selected referencesExiTron™ MyoC 8000
Investigate functional cardiac parameters
~300 nm
~8000 HUMyocardial CT agent
ExiTron™ MyoC 8000 CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 702
ExiTron™ BAT
ExiTron BAT is an innovative agent optimized for in vivo CT studies of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in small animals. Containing an iodine-based amphiphile, it accumulates in brown fat deposits enabling accurate identification of this tissue with ease.
ExiTron BAT, the unique CT agent:
- Shows a high accumulation in the BAT of small animals
- Delivers optimal CT contrast
Enables a wide imaging time window
Apply ExiTron BAT to:
- Effectively visualize brown fat, e.g. interscapular and cervical BAT
- Quantify BAT volume
- Longitudinally monitor changes in BAT morphology
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Mean hydrodynamic diameter:
~320 nm
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~8000 HU
ExiTron™ BAT CT of brown
adipose tissue (BAT)
Sagittal CT image of a mouse at 3.5 hours post injection of ExiTron BAT showing contrast enhancement in the intrascapular BAT
Timecourse of ExiTron BAT uptake in BAT of young mice with and without BAT activation via short-term cold exposure. Specifi c accumulation of the contrast agent in activated BAT enables visualization of this tissue with ease.
Order no:
ExiTron™ BAT CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 707
ExiTron™ BAT CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 708
Selected references
- Genger, C. et al. (2022) ExiTron BAT, a novel contrast agent visualising activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) by CT imaging. World Molecular Imaging Congress Meeting, Miami, USA.
ExiTron™ ultra 18000
ExiTron ultra 18000 is an innovative nanoparticulate agent that delivers ultimate contrast in CT angiography studies. It is based on a post-transition metal with strong X-ray attenuation power. The agent’s exceptionally high contrast enhancement coupled with its long blood half-life enables detailed visualization of vascular structures.
This unique nanoparticulate agent for CT angiography:
- Delivers the highest contrast enhancement of all ExiTron products
- Enables detailed visualization of vascular structures
- Highlights regions of increased vascular permeability
- Provides a long circulation time and a broad acquisition time window
Apply ExiTron ultra 18000 to:
- Visualize the vascular system at unprecedented detail
- Detect regions of increased vascular permeability
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of an ExiTron ultra 18000 nanoparticles
Mean hydrodynamic diameter:
~300 nm
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~18000 HU
ExiTron™ ultra 18000 CT angiography
Axial and sagittal CT images before (upper row), immediately after (middle row) and 5 hours post (lower row) injection of ExiTron ultra 18000 showing the agent’s exceptional vascular contrast.
Timecourse of the signal enhancement in blood as well as in liver of mice after injection of ExiTron ultra 18000.
Order no:
ExiTron™ ultra 18000 CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 709
ExiTron™ ultra 18000 CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 710
Selected references
- Amato, C. et al. (2023) Dual -contrast photon-counting micro-CT using iodine and a novel bismuth-based contrast agent. Phys. Med. Biol., accepted.
- Amato, C. (2022) Novel Contrast Agents in Photon-Counting Computed Tomography, PhD Thesis.
ExiTron™ nano 6000
ExiTronTM nano 6000 is an innovative nanoparticle agent for liver imaging, the detection of liver tumors and metastases. It is quickly phagocytosed by Kupffer cells and allows hepatic visualization for several weeks after injection.
The unique CT agent for efficecive liver imaging:
- Accumulates in healthy liver and spleen tissue, delivering superior contrast
- Has a long liver retention time enabling hepatic imaging for several weeks after a single injection
Apply ExiTron nano 6000 to:
- Effectively investigate liver morphology from hours to weeks after injection
- Discover its clear advantage for detection of liver tumors/metastases in your animal model
- Quantitate tumor burden with ease
- Benefit from the low injection volume and high cardiovascular tolerability compared to conventional agents
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of an ExiTron nano 6000 nanoparticle
Mean hydrodynamic diameter:
~110 nm
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~6000 HU
Liver imaging CT agent
Progression of mouse liver metastases over the period of 14 days monitored in micro-CT following a single administration of ExiTron nano 6000. The individual lobes of the liver tissue appear clearly opacified.
Order no:
ExiTron™ nano 6000 CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 146
ExiTron™ nano 6000 CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 147
Selected references
- Boll, H. et al. (2011) Micro-CT based experimental liver imaging using a nanoparticulate contrast agent longitudinal study in mice. PLoS ONE 6: e25692.
- Kishida, N. et al. (2016) Development of a novel mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis using a high-fat, cholinedeficient diet and intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine. BMC Gastroenterol. 16(1): 61.
- Rothe, J.H. et al. (2015) Time Course of Contrast Enhancement by Micro-CT with Dedicated Contrast Agents in Normal Mice and Mice with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Acad. Radiol. 22(2): 169-178.
- Hua, X.W. et al. (2015) Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography using ExiTron nano 6000 for assessment of liver injury. World J. Gastroenterol. 21(26): 8043-8051.
ExiTron™ P
ExiTronTM P is an iodine-containing CT angiography (CTA) agent comprised of nanometer-sized polymeric capsules. Due to its prolonged circulation time, ExiTron P allows improved visualization of vascular fine structure.
This unique polymeric blood-pool CT contrast agent:
- Is based on an organic polymer of high molecular weight
- Provides an extended circulation time and a broader acquisition time window
- Is eliminated from the body via the renal as well as hepatobilary pathway
Apply ExiTron P to:
- Visualize healthy vasculature
- Visualize vasculature abnormalities in tumors and inflammation
- Utilize its renal excretion capability for kidney imaging studies
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of an ExiTron P polymeric capsule
Mean particle size (hydrodynamic diameter):
~ 290 nm
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~ 8000 HU
CT angiography agent for renal excretion
Mouse whole-body CT angiography using ExiTron P.
Order no:
ExiTron™ P CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 144
ExiTron™ P CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 145
Selected references
- Koziolek, E. et al. (2022) in vivo renal imaging in mice via contrast-enhanced CT using a novel polymeric contrast agent.
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ExiTron™ nano 12000
ExiTron nano 12000 is an innovative nanoparticle agent optimized for high-resolution CT angiography. As the counterpart of ExiTron nano 6000, ExiTron nano 12000 simultaneously also allows for liver imaging and the detection of liver tumors and metastases.
The unique agent for high-resolution CT angiography:
- Delivers unprecedented contrast
- Has a long blodd helf-life, remaining in healthy vasculature for a prolonged period of time
- Enables high resolution vessel imaging through a longer steady state period
- Passes through fenestrated blood vessels in tumors and inflamed tissue
Utilize the clear advantage of ExiTron nano 12000 to:
- Study vascular structures down to the microvessel level
- Visualize vascular abnormalities in tumors and inflammation
- Profit from the liver imaging capability analogous to ExiTron nano 6000
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of an ExiTron nano 12000 nanoparticle
Mean hydrodynamic diameter:
~110 nm
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~12000 HU
ExiTron™ nano 12000 CT angiography
Left: CT angiography of a mouse using ExiTron nano 12000 showing the heart and vascular fine structure.
Right: 3D volume-rendered CT of a mouse head showing the extracranial vasculature after administration of ExiTron nano 12000.
Download Application Note – Left Ventricular Volume Estimation
Download Application Note – Monitoring tumor vascularization
Download Application Note –µCT of lung adenocarcinoma
Technical Note – 4D dual gated cardiac CT
Technical Note – Blood Vessel imaging CT
Selected references
- Das, N.M. et al. (2016) In Vivo Quantitative Microcomputed Tomographic Analysis of Vasculature and Organs in a Normal and Diseased Mouse Model. PLoS One 11(2): e0150085.
- Lalwani, K. et al. (2013) Contrast Agents for Quantitative MicroCT of Lung Tumors in Mice. Comp Med. 63(6): 482-90.
- Zhu, G. et al. (2019) In Vivo Detection and Measurement of Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection in Mouse Models Using Microcomputed Tomography with Contrast Agent. Contrast Media Mol. Imaging: 5940301.
- Liu, C.-N. et al. (2019) Nanoparticle contrast-enhanced micro-CT: A preclinical tool for the 3D imaging of liver and spleen in longitudinal mouse studies. J. Pharmacol. Toxicol. Methods. 96: 67-77.
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Order no:
ExiTron™ nano 12000 CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 698
ExiTron™ nano 12000 CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 700
ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V
Extracellular CT agents
ExiTron U and ExiTron V have been developed as reference contrast agents for maximum convenience.
ExiTron U is a classical monomeric non-ionic extracellular contrast agent for CT angiography (CTA) and is based on the proven iopromide agent that has long been used in human clinical practice.
ExiTron V is the dimeric counterpart to ExiTron U, is based on iodixanol and has been adapted for animal imaging.
ExiTron U and Exitron V, the trusted standards from human clinical CT, allow you to focus on the actual imaging experiment by:
- Saving you time eliminating tedious dilution and formulation steps
- Providing the consistent, reliable quality of all Viscover products
- Serving as a reference contrast agent
Physico-chemical properties and structure
ExiTron U:
Iopromide (Monomer)
Molecular weight:
791 g mol-1
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~ 4700 HU
ExiTron V:
Iodixanol (Dimer)
Molecular weight:
1550 g mol-1
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~ 6400 HU
Structural formula of iopromide
Structural formula of iopromide
ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V CT angiography
CT angiography of mouse neck vasculature after injection of ExiTron U (left) and ExiTron V (right)
Order no:
ExiTron™ U CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 142
ExiTron™ U CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 143
ExiTron™ V CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 283
ExiTron™ V CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 284
Selected references
- Tseng, J.-C. et al. (2015) Optical Imaging on the IVIS SpectrumCT System. Perkin Elmer Technical Note.
- Dawson, P. et al. (1984) Iopromide. A new non-ionic contrast medium. Acta Radiol. Diagn. (Stockh). 25: 253-256.
- Heglund, I.F. et al. (1995) Pre-clinical pharmacokinetics and general toxicology of iodixanol. Acta Radiol Suppl
399: 69-82. - Larsen, L.E. et al. (1995) Neural tolerability of iodixanol in mice and dogs after single and repeated intracisternal administration. Acta Radiol Suppl 399: 238-243.
ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V
Extracellular CT agents
ExiTron U and ExiTron V have been developed as reference contrast agents for maximum convenience.
ExiTron U is a classical monomeric non-ionic extracellular contrast agent for CT angiography (CTA) and is based on the proven iopromide agent that has long been used in human clinical practice.
ExiTron V is the dimeric counterpart to ExiTron U, is based on iodixanol and has been adapted for animal imaging.
ExiTron U and Exitron V, the trusted standards from human clinical CT, allow you to focus on the actual imaging experiment by:
- Saving you time eliminating tedious dilution and formulation steps
- Providing the consistent, reliable quality of all Viscover products
- Serving as a reference contrast agent
Physico-chemical properties and structure
ExiTron U:
Iopromide (Monomer)
Molecular weight:
791 g mol-1
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~ 4700 HU
ExiTron V:
Iodixanol (Dimer)
Molecular weight:
1550 g mol-1
Hounsfield units (undiluted agent):
~ 6400 HU
Structural formula of iopromide
Structural formula of iopromide
ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V CT angiography
CT angiography of mouse neck vasculature after injection of ExiTron U (left) and ExiTron V (right)
Order no:
ExiTron™ U CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 142
ExiTron™ U CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 143
ExiTron™ V CT contrast agent (1 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 283
ExiTron™ V CT contrast agent (5 x 5 injections): 130 – 095 – 284
Selected references
- Tseng, J.-C. et al. (2015) Optical Imaging on the IVIS SpectrumCT System. Perkin Elmer Technical Note.
- Dawson, P. et al. (1984) Iopromide. A new non-ionic contrast medium. Acta Radiol. Diagn. (Stockh). 25: 253-256.
- Heglund, I.F. et al. (1995) Pre-clinical pharmacokinetics and general toxicology of iodixanol. Acta Radiol Suppl
399: 69-82. - Larsen, L.E. et al. (1995) Neural tolerability of iodixanol in mice and dogs after single and repeated intracisternal administration. Acta Radiol Suppl 399: 238-243.
Customized Agents
Customized MRI agents
Imaging agents tailored for your research
The continually expanding Viscover portfolio provides reliable, ready-to-use imaging agents covering a wide spectrum of imaging demands. For those occasions when a customized solution is required, you can rely on the Viscover team for timely assistance.
Examples of our custom offers include:
For MRI:
- Target-specific imaging agents based on both iron oxide and gadolinium-chelate nanoparticles
- Iron oxide nanoparticles of all sizes
- Custom-sized polymeric MRI agents
- Fractionated radiopaque nanoparticles
- Research on target-specific CT imaging agents
- Custom-sized polymeric CT imaging agents
- Target- specific ultrasound microbubbles
- Fractionated ultrasound microbubbles with selected echogenic properties
- NIR dyes, both small molecule and particulate, having various chemical functionalities and optical properties
- Target-specific optical imaging agents
Physico-chemical properties and structure
Schematic diagram of a FeraSpin T nanoparticle
Mean particle size (hydrodynamic diameter):
60 nm
Particle size range:
Narrow size distribution
Relaxivity (37 °C, 1.41 T)
In water:
r1 = 8 L mmol-1 s-1
r2 = 280 L mmol-1 s-1
Viscover’s target-specific agents for all modalities.
Selected References
- Briel, A. et al. (2005) Ultrasound theranostics: antibody-based microbubble conjugates as targeted in vivo contrast agents and advanced drug delivery systems. Modern Biopharmaceuticals. 3: 1301-1324.
- Hauff, P. et al. (2004) Molecular targeting of lymph nodes with L-selectin ligand-specific US contrast agent: a feasibility study in mice and dogs. Radiology 231: 667-673.
- Licha, K. et al. (2001) Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of cyanine-labeled somatostatin analogues as receptor –targeted fluorescent probes. Bioconjugate Chem. 12: 44-50.
- Zhang, C. et al. (2007) Specific targeting of tumor angiogenesis by RGD-conjugated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles using a clinical 1.5-T magnetic resonance scanner. Cancer Res. 67: 1555-1562.
