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Figure 4 Tracking of Genetically Labeled Progenitor Cells by Positron Emission Tomography
3 x 106 endothelial progenitor cells transfected with the sodiumiodide symporter gene were injected intramyocardially in a healthy rat. After injection of N-13 ammonia, homogeneous myocardial perfusion is shown in grayscale on the top. Perfusion images are overlayed with images of reporter-gene expression (bottom). obtained after injection of I-124 sodiumiodide (red/yellow). Regional accumulation of the reporter probe depicts presence of viable transplanted cells at the injection site in the lateral wall. LA = left atrium; LV = left ventricle; RA = right atrium; RV = right ventricle.