Relaxometry

Studies on the interaction of gadolinium with components of the extracellular matrix are based on relaxometry measurements. Here, the paramagnetic influence of Gd(III) ions from gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) on the magnetization of water protons is investigated.

The relaxivity R1 of each sample is first determined from T1-weighted MR images of a phantom, which can be equipped with up to 21 samples. From this, the relaxation components can be determined according to the interaction of the individual molecular components. This provides information about processes such as transmetallation in complexes or transchelation.