CONTRAST AGENT FOR 3D EX VIVO IMAGING OF VASCULAR AND TUBULAR STRUCTURES IN THE KIDNEY

摘要

The present invention relates to a contrast agent suitable for ex vivo imaging, particularly of vascular structures and renal tubular structures, and a method for ex vivo imaging. The contrast agent is a polymer comprising monomers M. The monomer comprises a backbone having 2 to 6 elements, wherein at least one element is -CH(R)- or -N(R)-. R is a moiety –E-H, -L-(NH2)m or a moiety of formula 1, with E, L, R¹ and R² being defined as described in the present specification. The monomer comprises at least one -I to allow detection via X-ray and at least one –NH₂ to allow crosslinking. Furthermore, the monomer comprises polar functional groups that contribute to water solubility. To avoid extravasation and glomerular filtration, the polymers are pre-crosslinked before the vasculature of a tissue, an organ or whole animal is perfused. After perfusion, the pre-crosslinked contrast agent is further crosslinked to be retained within the tissue, organ or animal permanently.