Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Molecular imaging techniques use uniquely designed imaging probes that
are targeted to the biological process of interest.
4. A wide variety of biological processes can be imaged, including protein
expression, gene upregulation, and apoptosis.
5. Molecular imaging probes have so far been detected with the use of
ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, optical, and
nuclear imaging techniques.
6. Much research is currently directed towards the design and application of
molecular imaging probes, and the customization of detection modalities.
7. Although the majority of work done to date has been performed on
animals, some initial human studies have shown promise.
8. In the future, molecular imaging techniques may provide novel insights
into disease processes, in addition to providing a new means of diagnosis
and even treatment.
Definition of Terms
Microbubble molecular imaging:
h e use of small gas-i lled spheres (microbubbles), most
commonly detected by ultrasound, to image specii c molecules in living organisms.
Molecular MRI (mMRI):
h e use of magnetic resonance imaging to detect molecular probes
or contrast agents targeted at specii c biological processes.
Positron emission tomography (PET):
A radionuclide-based technique that images the
concentration of a positron-emitting tracer in the body using a specialized detection
system.
Radionuclide-based imaging:
A collective term for the medical imaging techniques that
function by detecting radioactive decay from tracers.
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT):
Similar to PET, but uses a dif erent
method of detection and the radioisotopes used are easier to make and have relatively
longer half-lives.
References
Aikawa, E. and M. Nahrendorf, D. Sosnovik, V.M. Lok, F.A. Jaf er, M. Aikawa, and R.
Weissleder. 2007. Multimodality molecular imaging identii es proteolytic and osteogenic
activities in early aortic valve disease. Circulation 115(3): 377-386.
Barber, P.A. and T. Foniok, D. Kirk, A.M. Buchan, S. Laurent, S. Boutry, R.N. Muller, L.
Hoyte, B. Tomanek, and U.I. Tuor. 2004. MR molecular imaging of early endothelial
activation in focal ischemia. Ann. Neurol. 56(1): 116-120.
Behm, C.Z. and B.A. Kaufmann, C. Carr, M. Lankford, J.M. Sanders, C.E. Rose, S. Kaul,
and J.R. Lindner. 2008. Molecular Imaging of Endothelial Vascular Cell Adhesion
Molecule-1 Expression and Inl ammatory Cell Recruitment during Vasculogenesis and
Ischemia-mediated Arteriogenesis. Circulation
117: 2902-2911.
