DEWANJEE, Mrinal K.

Department of Veterinary Biosciences
Ph.D. (1968) McGill University

    Research Topics

• Development of radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear imaging
• Noninvasive imaging of thrombosis, infection and cancer
• Mechanism of thrombosis, inflammation on prostheses and proliferation
• Angiogenesis, wound-healing and tissue engineering of cardiovascular prostheses

    Research Interests  

   The broad area of research in my laboratory is in the development and use of gamma-emitting tracers. The metallic and non-metallic short-lived radionuclides include: $99m$technetium, $111$indium and $123$iodine. Due to presence of penetrating gamma radiation, the pathology of thrombus formation on damaged vessel wall or on cardiovascular prostheses (vascular graft, tissue and mechanical heart valves), neutrophil infiltration at the foci of inflammation, infection and site of cancer could be localized in live animals and patients by imaging with gamma camera. Using $111$In-labeled platelets and neutrophils, we could quantify the number of platelets and neutrophils and their subsequent decrease after drug treatment. We implant the cardiovascular prostheses in pig model using sterile surgical techniques to simulate similar pathology in human patients. We have developed the $99m$Tc, $111$In and $123$I-labeled oligonucleotide (antisense) probes for imaging mRNA of amplified oncogenes in cancer cells.

   Harvesting the tissues (pericardium, heart valves, blood vessels, endothelial cells from pigs and cows), we are designing new blood vessels and heart valves for spontaneous endothelial cell coverage. Without endothelialization, these cardiovascular prostheses are susceptible to thrombosis, infection and calcification. We are immobilizing growth factors for attracting circulating endothelial cells for colonization of bare collagen matrix. Current technique of tissue processing is inadequate due to toxic chemicals. We are modifying these cross-linking processes for providing a hospitable matrix for growth of desired cells in the short healing window. We are developing collaborative research projects with our faculty and colleagues from other universities and industries to use the latest concepts and methods in the development of prostheses and wound-healing.

    Key Words   Nuclear Imaging, Autoradiography, Radiolabeling, $111$In-labeled Platelets, Neutrophils, Oligonucleotides, $99m$Tc and $123$I-labeled Peptides and Proteins, Turnover of Drugs, Proteins and Cells, Flow Cytometry of Platelet Aggregates During Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Immobilization of Growth factors, Tissue Culture, Tissue Engineering, Angiogenesis, Surgical Implantation of Prostheses, Explant Evaluation

    Current Research Funding   NIH, Corporate

BTC Members