New magnetic resonance contrast agents as biochemical reporters.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive, volume rendering diagnostic technique that uses lanthanide complexes to enhance proton relaxation. Magnetic resonance imaging is not limited by light scattering as optical microscopic techniques are, and allows imaging of whole animals. Clinical contrast agents are nonspecific and report solely on anatomy, whereas contrast agents that can be activated can be tailored to report on the physiological status or metabolic activity of biological systems. These new classes of magnetic resonance contrast agents represent a substantial leap in the type of information that can be derived from imaging experiments, and are the focus of this review.
Meade
Thomas J
TJ
Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201-3113, USA. tmeade@northwestern.edu
Taylor
Alisha K
AK
Bull
Steven R
SR
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D003287:Contrast Media