Magnetic resonance imaging of cell surface receptors using targeted contrast agents.
Over the past decade MR (magnetic resonance) imaging has emerged as one of the major modalities for noninvasive functional imaging. Recent advances in the development of targeted MR contrast agents have added significantly to the capabilities of MR imaging. In particular, the use of targeted contrast agents to report on the expression of cell surface receptors, combined with the functional capabilities of MR imaging, together provide unique opportunities to understand receptor-mediated pathways. In this article we have reviewed current MRI strategies used to visualize receptor expression, the potential advantages and drawbacks of these strategies, and novel areas of focus for the future.
Artemov
Dmitri
D
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, JHU ICMIC Program, Department of Radiology, Traylor 217, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. dmitri@mri.jhu.edu
Bhujwalla
Zaver M
ZM
Bulte
Jeff W M
JW
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D015335:Molecular Probes; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D003287:Contrast Media; D015335:Molecular Probes; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface