Assessing a hyperpolarized [1-13C]-labeled alanine derivative enhanced via parahydrogen for in vivo studies

• Synthesis and parahydrogen-based hyperpolarization of [1-¹³C]-N-acetyl alanine and its derivative. • Extended ¹³C T₁ relaxation times enable enhanced imaging resolution. • First in vivo ¹³C MRI imaging demonstration of the cardiovascular system in wildtype mice. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable non-invasive technique widely used in clinical diagnostics; however, its sensitivity is limited, posing challenges in various medical conditions. Hyperpolarization techniques represent a promising approach to dramatically enhance signals in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and allow the use endogenous metabolites as contrast media. In this study, we synthesized N-acetyl-alanine ethyl ester as a novel imaging agent and assessed its in vivo imaging capabilities, potentially offering diagnostic and monitoring capabilities for cardiovascular diseases. It is derived from N-acetyl-alanine, an endogenous metabolic end product of protein degradation. The in vivo experiments resulted in high-resolution images of the circulatory system acquired within sub-seconds. Our findings not only highlight the potential preclinical utility of this new, generally available agent, but also advance the frontier of hyperpolarized contrast agents.