Introduction
The MRI contrast media manganese-dipyridoxyl-diphosphate (MnDPDP) has been shown to be a marker of viability in patients with myocardial infarction, as manganese-ions follow the calcium-pathways and accumulate in viable myocardial cells. However, the contrast-to-noise ratio is presently too low for clinical use. In a previous study in rats given manganese-cloride (MnCl2), dobutamine increased the myocardial uptake of Mn significantly.