AR2p/R1pRatiometric Procedure to Assess Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Activity by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Parametric MRI: A paramagnetic gadolinium-loaded liposome for the MRI assessment of the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is described. The assessment relies on a procedure that involves the ratio R 2p/R1p between the transverse and longitudinal paramagnetic contributions to the water proton relaxation rate. This method is independent of the total gadolinium concentration.