Characterization and In Vitro and In Vivo Testing of CB2-Receptor- and NGAL-Targeted Paramagnetic Micelles for Molecular MRI of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque

Purpose Atherosclerotic plaque macrophages express the peripheral cannabinoid receptor (CB2-R) and promote fibrous cap degradation by secretion of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin 2 (NGAL). In this study, we report the preparation, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo testing of double-labeled (MR and fluorescent) CB2-R- and NGAL-targeted micelles.