Smart MR Imaging Agents Relevant to Potential Neurologic Applications

• Published in: American journal of neuroradiology : AJNR Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 401 - 409
• Main Authors: Bonnet, C.S, Toth, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oak Brook, IL Am Soc Neuroradiology 01.03.2010; American Society of Neuroradiology
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Brain Diseases - pathology; Contrast Media - chemistry; Electrodiagnosis. Electric activity recording; Heterocyclic Compounds - chemistry; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Medical sciences; Nervous system; Neurology - instrumentation; Organometallic Compounds - chemistry; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Review; Radiodiagnosis; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; Nervous system diseases; SATURATION-TRANSFER CEST; ZINC IONS; CONTRAST AGENTS; GD3+ COMPLEXES; IN-VIVO; PH; AMYOTROPHIC-LATERAL-SCLEROSIS; ENZYMATIC-ACTIVITY; PARACEST MRI; HIGH-RELAXIVITY
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X
• DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A1753

Molecular imaging is aimed at the noninvasive visualization of the expression and function of bioactive molecules that often represent specific molecular signatures in disease processes. Any molecular imaging procedure requires an imaging probe that is specific to a given molecular event, which puts an important emphasis on chemistry development. In MR imaging, the past years have witnessed significant advances in the design of molecular agents, though most of these efforts have not yet progressed to in vivo studies. In this review, we present some examples relevant to potential neurobiologic applications. Our aim was to show what chemistry can bring to the area of molecular MR imaging with a focus on the 2 main classes of imaging probes: Gd(3+)-based and PARACEST agents. We will discuss responsive probes for the detection of metal ions such as Ca, Zn, Fe, and Cu, pH, enzymatic activity, and oxygenation state.