Long-Lived Hyperpolarized 15N,d9-Betaine for Dynamic, Multi-Phase Magnetic Resonance Imaging of In Vivo Physiological Processes

Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (HypMRI) offers valuable insights into dynamic physiological processes in vivo . We introduce hyperpolarized ¹⁵ N,d ₉ -Betaine (trimethyl- ² H ₉ - ¹⁵ N-glycine) as an endogenous MRI contrast agent with a long-lived signal suited for comprehensive molecular tracking. With a detectable in vivo signal lasting more than 14 minutes and high polarization efficiency, ¹⁵ N,d ₉ -Betaine supports both real-time and delayed-phase MRI from a single dose, enabling flexible, multi-phase imaging. In preclinical models, renal ¹⁵ N,d ₉ -Betaine images were acquired with strong signal-to-noise ratios across various resolutions. This extended imaging window facilitates tracking of molecular distribution, assessing tissue perfusion, and monitoring cellular uptake relevant to betaine’s roles in cellular protection. By extending MRI capabilities across time scales, hyperpolarized ¹⁵ N,d ₉ -Betaine holds promise for applications such as organ function assessment, disease monitoring and real-time evaluation of therapeutic interventions, advancing non-invasive molecular imaging.