Abstract: Objective To investigate the feasibility of Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance
angiography (USPIO-MRA) combined with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 detection for detecting atherosclerotic plaques in
rabbits. Methods Twnety-four normal male rabbits were randomly assigned (n=8) into group A with atherosclerosis induced
by damaging the aortic tunica intima with Foley’s tube in combination with a high fat diet, group B with a high fat diet, and
group C without any intervention. At week 12, plain and USPIO-MRA was performed in all the 24 rabbits and the results were
compared with pathological examinations; blood samples were collected from the ear vein to examine blood lipids and levels
of IL-6 and IL-10. Results The rabbits in groups A and B showed significantly different IL-6 levels (167±21.3 vs 116±14.3 pg/ml,
P<0.05) but comparable blood lipids and IL-10 levels (P>0.05). The levels of IL-6, IL-10, TC, TG, and LDL, but not HDL, differed
significantly between groups A and C and between groups B and C (P<0.01). Continuous MRA scan showed significantly
different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) between the 3 groups. Conclusion USPIO-MRA combined with IL-6 and IL-10 detection
is feasible in detecting atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits.