Molecular Imaging of Chemokine Receptor CCR2 to Quantify Monocyte Involvement after Myocardial Infarction in Mice

Ziel/Aim Myocardial infarction (MI) evokes an organized infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes, which contribute to adverse remodeling. A molecular-targeted radiotracer that is selective for pro-inflammatory monocytes as crucial contributors to remodeling, is desirable. The chemokine C-C motif receptor type 2 (CCR2) is thought to be specific for inflammatory monocytes. We employed Ga-68-DOTA-ECL1i for targeting CCR2 after acute MI in mice by positron emission tomography (PET).