Molecular Imaging of Endothelial Adhesion Molecules - Adhesion Molecules - page 53

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CHAPTER

Molecular Imaging of Endothelial
Adhesion Molecules

Alistair C. Lindsay 1 , Martina A. McAteer 2 and
Robin P. Choudhury 3, *
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Level 6, West Wing, John Radcliffe
Hospital, University of Oxford, UK, OX3 9DU
1 E-mail: [e-mail]
2 E-mail: [e-mail]
3 E-mail: [e-mail]
Departmental contact : [e-mail].

ABSTRACT

Imaging of endothelial adhesion molecules spearheads the emerging i eld of
molecular imaging. Fundamental to the emergence of this new i eld has been the
development of specii c molecular imaging probes that have permitted adhesion
molecule imaging using ultrasound, magnetic resonance, nuclear and optical
imaging techniques. A wide variety of imaging probes have developed from basic
science work and been optimized for adhesion molecule detection using various
(and ot en multiple) imaging modalities; they are described in detail in this chapter
according to the methods used for their detection. h e main animal experiments
demonstrating the utility of these probes are highlighted, and the potential
applications of adhesion molecule imaging to human disease are discussed. In
addition, the chapter describes how the development of methods of molecular
imaging not only of ers the possibility of a new diagnostic era, where disease can
be detected in its earliest stages, but will also add further insights into disease
processes, and eventually may even lead to novel methods of delivering targeted
treatments that cannot be delivered systemically. h e main challenges facing the
future of endothelial adhesion molecule imaging are highlighted throughout the
chapter.