Iron oxide nanoparticles for use as an MRI contrast agent: pharmacokinetics and metabolism.

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of a new preparation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were evaluated by 59Fe radiotracer studies and histologic examination of mice liver and spleen tissues (light and transmission electron microscopy). In the first 30 min following IV injection of the product half of the dose injected remains in the blood, the other part being sequestered mainly by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). In the first five days following IV administration of the nanoparticles, early metabolization of the iron oxide cores occurs, revealed by modification of their aspect in the lysosomes of Kupffer cells and macrophages of the splenic red pulp. The incorporation of 59Fe is then observed in RBC of the mice. These results are discussed in relation with the physicochemical properties of this new preparation of nanoparticles, and compared with current pharmacokinetic data concerning injectable particle systems.