ExiTron™ U

Description

Product Overview

ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V are extracellular CT contrast agents developed as reference standards for preclinical imaging. ExiTron™ U is a monomeric non-ionic agent based on iopromide, a well established clinical contrast medium, while ExiTron™ V is a dimeric agent derived from iodixanol, adapted for small animal studies. Both agents provide consistent, reliable contrast, allowing researchers to focus on experimental imaging without additional preparation steps.

Intended Use and Research Rationale

ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V serve as reference agents for CT angiography studies, providing stable and reproducible enhancement of the vascular system. Their formulations are based on clinical agents with known safety profiles, ensuring predictable pharmacokinetics and imaging performance in preclinical models. These agents are particularly suited for studies requiring extracellular distribution and precise vascular delineation.

Imaging Characteristics and Applications

ExiTron™ U delivers monomeric, non-ionic contrast suitable for general CTA applications, producing undiluted attenuation of approximately 4700 Hounsfield units. ExiTron™ V, the dimeric counterpart, provides enhanced X ray attenuation of approximately 6400 Hounsfield units, supporting high contrast imaging of the vasculature. Both agents can be used for preclinical CT studies of the neck, thoracic, and systemic vasculature, serving as reliable comparators for experimental or novel contrast agents.

CT angio­graphy of mouse neck vasculature after injection of ExiTron U (left) and ExiTron V (right)

Advantages for Preclinical Research

Using ExiTron™ U and V simplifies workflow by eliminating the need for custom dilution or formulation. Researchers benefit from standardized, high quality agents that support reproducible imaging outcomes, reduce preparation time, and provide reference data for vascular studies.

Physicochemical and Technical Properties

ExiTron™ U:

• Active compound: Iopromide (Monomer)
• Molecular weight: 791 g mol-1
• Undiluted X ray attenuation: ~4700 HU

ExiTron™ V:

• Active compound: Iodixanol (Dimer)
• Molecular weight: 1550 g mol-1
• Undiluted X ray attenuation: ~6400 HU

Both agents are water soluble and formulated for safe intravenous administration in small animals.

Preclinical Imaging Validation

CT angiography studies demonstrate clear vascular enhancement using ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V. Imaging of the neck vasculature in murine models confirms stable contrast and suitability for quantitative vascular assessment.

Scientific References

ExiTron™ U:

• Tseng, J.-C. et al. (2015) Optical Imaging on the IVIS SpectrumCT System. Perkin Elmer Technical Note.
• Dawson, P. et al. (1984) Iopromide. A new non-ionic contrast medium. Acta Radiol. Diagn. (Stockh). 25: 253-256.

ExiTron™ V:

• Heglund, I.F. et al. (1995) Pre-clinical pharmacokinetics and general toxicology of iodixanol. Acta Radiol Suppl 399: 69-82.
• Larsen, L.E. et al. (1995) Neural tolerability of iodixanol in mice and dogs after single and repeated intracisternal administration. Acta Radiol Suppl 399: 238-243.

Ordering and Distribution Information

ExiTron™ U and V are available in single and multiple injection formats, including one set of five injections or five sets of five injections. Ordering through an authorized distributor provides local support, consistent supply, and access to technical resources.

Documentation and Technical Resources

Data sheets are available for both ExiTron™ U and ExiTron™ V, detailing formulation, physicochemical properties, and recommended usage for preclinical CT angiography studies.

Authorization Statement

Authorized distributor of Viscover products by Nanopet Pharma GmbH. This page contains original distributor specific content intended to support preclinical extracellular CT contrast studies.