Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR)

We are looking for healthy volunteers to undertake gadoxetate (a liver special dye) MRI scan of the liver after a single dose of Rifampicin, which is a common antibiotic used in bacterial infections.

Gadoxetate-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of tube scanner test which produces detailed pictures of internal organs with an injection of special dye (gadoxetate) by putting you within a strong magnetic field. Gadoxetate MRI scan is a useful tool commonly used in clinical practice for investigating liver lesions.

Gadoxetate is transported by the same transporters as drugs that can cause liver damage. We are testing whether measuring the flow of this dye might be useful to show a risk of liver damage from new drugs in development. This study will test whether the MRI scan could be a potential useful tool for identifying the risk of liver damage.

What to expect

You will have a blood test to check your kidney function before the MRI scan. You will have two to four MRI scans in total. On your final visit, you will receive a standard dose of antibiotic (rifampicin). Rifampicin is a safe and common antibiotic used in treatment and prevention of certain bacterial infections.

You will also have 2 to 3 blood tests done each time during your scan visits. Visits will be scheduled in advance at the Advance Imaging Centre (AIC), Leeds General Infirmary. Expenses will be covered by a £150 flat-rate amount after completion of all scan visits or £75 after completion of one scan visit. 

Criteria

To participate, you would need to:

  • Be able to provide informed consent
  • Be over 18 years old
  • Not be taking any medications, including the contraceptive pill
  • Be able to attend all scheduled visits
  • Be able to adhere to instructions on pre-scan food and drinks intake
  • Not have any known liver disease or kidney disease.

Contact

Please contact us via email if you are interested or if you would like to have more information.

Dr Thazin Min:
t.min@leeds.ac.uk
Dr Ian Rowe:
i.a.c.rowe@leeds.ac.uk

  • Contact: Thazin Min t.min@leeds.ac.uk
  • Ethical approval reference number: 21/EM/0118
  • Closing date for participants: 01 July 2022