H2^17O saline

H2^17O saline is a diagnostic contrast agent composed of water enriched with the stable isotope oxygen-17 (17O) in a saline solution. Developed by the National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology and manufactured by Taiyo Nippon Sanso, it is utilized in proton magnetic resonance imaging (1H-MRI) to visualize water kinetics and fluid dynamics in vivo. The drug functions as a T2-shortening agent; the chemical exchange of protons between H2^17O and naturally occurring H2^16O reduces the T2 relaxation time of surrounding water protons, resulting in decreased signal intensity in T2-weighted images. This allows for the non-invasive assessment of the ocular glymphatic system, aqueous humor outflow, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways. It is primarily investigated for its utility in evaluating ocular fluid homeostasis and waste clearance in neurodegenerative conditions such as glaucoma.

Other names

Oxygen-17 labeled waterOxygen17 labeled waterOxygen 17 labeled waterO-17 labeled waterO17 labeled waterO 17 labeled water17O-enriched waterH217O saline solutionH-217O saline solutionH 217O saline solution