Imaging Agent
Imaging Agent - Related Videos
11:27
Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Dendrimer-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Cited by 5 •
2016
This protocol describes the preparation and characterization of a dendrimeric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that carries cyclen-based macrocyclic chelates coordinating paramagnetic gadolinium ions. In a series of MRI experiments in vitro, this agent produced an amplified MRI signal when compared to the commercially available monomeric analogue.
06:46
Non-invasive In Vivo Fluorescence Optical Imaging of Inflammatory MMP Activity Using an Activatable Fluorescent Imaging Agent
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Cited by 4 •
2017
This paper explains the application of fluorescent imaging using an activatable optical imaging probe to visualize the in vivo activity of key matrix metalloproteinases in two different experimental models of inflammation.
06:54
MR Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with a Small Molecular CLT1 Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent
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Cited by 3 •
2013
To demonstrate MR cancer molecular imaging with a small peptide targeted MRI contrast agent specific to clotted plasma proteins in tumor stroma in a mouse prostate cancer model.
07:15
In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
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Cited by 2 •
2013
We demonstrate how to perform macrophage MR imaging using ultrasmall superparamagnetic contrast agent (USPIO) in septic arthritis, allowing an initial and longitudinal in vivo non-invasive evaluation of macrophages infiltration and an assessment of therapy efficacy.
10:19
Reducing Agents
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2023
Source: Vy M. Dong and Daniel Kim, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA Controlling the reactivity and selectivity during the synthesis of a molecule is very important criteria for chemists. This has led to the development of many reagents that allow chemists to pick and choose reagents suitable for a given task. Quite often, a balance between reactivity and selectivity needs to be achieved. This experiment will use IR spectroscopy to monitor the reaction and to...
FAQs
Signal generation depends on the agent’s physical or biological properties and the imaging modality used. Radioactive agents produce signals through radioactive decay, whereas MRI-related agents can alter magnetic susceptibility. Other probes generate contrast through selective binding to receptors or transporters, allowing researchers to visualize molecular activity rather than only gross brain structure.
An agent must either cross the blood-brain barrier or interact with it in a way that permits the intended signal to be detected. This condition influences which brain regions or processes can be visualized. Consequently, barrier compatibility is a central consideration when studying neural targets, pathology, or transport-related processes in living systems.
Selective binding links the detectable signal to a particular receptor, transporter, or other molecular target. This relationship can help distinguish neurotransmitter systems and disease-related molecular changes from general anatomical features. In neuroscience, target specificity therefore supports investigations of brain function and pathology at a more focused biological level.
The modalities detect different signal mechanisms and therefore support different types of visualization. PET can use radioactive decay, MRI can detect changes related to magnetic susceptibility, and optical imaging can use probes that produce detectable optical signals. Choosing among them depends on whether the study emphasizes molecular activity, brain structure, or another measurable biological process.
Selection should match the biological question, molecular target, and available imaging modality. A study of receptors or transporters may require a selectively binding probe, while investigations involving radioactive decay or magnetic susceptibility require an agent compatible with PET or MRI. The choice also depends on whether the desired outcome concerns anatomy, metabolism, inflammation, function, or pathology.
These agents support visualization of brain anatomy, metabolism, inflammation, neurotransmitter systems, and disease-related changes. They can therefore connect detectable signals with neural structure, molecular activity, or pathological processes in living systems. This range makes them useful for investigating brain function as well as mechanisms associated with neurological disease.
In diagnosis, imaging agents can help reveal disease-related changes that are not limited to visible anatomy. In drug development, they can support studies of molecular targets, including receptors and transporters, and help investigate how biological processes change. Their use in living systems also contributes to research on brain function and pathology.