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Delivery of imaging agents into brain
N J Abbott1, D C Chugani, G Zaharchuk
1Physiology, Biomedical Division, King's College, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK. nj.abbot@kcl.ac.uk
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|June 6, 2000
Summary
Delivering diagnostic agents to the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging due to diffusion barriers like the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Advanced imaging techniques like MRI, CT, SPECT, and PET offer solutions for diagnosing CNS conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Radiopharmaceuticals
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) diagnostics are hindered by specialized blood vessels and tissue fluids.
- Diffusion barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barriers, restrict agent penetration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and advanced imaging techniques for CNS diagnostics.
- To highlight methods for assessing cerebral blood flow, volume, and blood-brain barrier permeability.
Main Methods:
- X-ray contrast agents for vascular anatomy.
- MRI and CT for blood flow, perfusion, and volume.
- SPECT with lipophilic agents for BBB crossing.
- PET with various radiotracers for perfusion, metabolism, and neurotransmission.
Main Results:
- MRI and CT enable measurement of local blood flow, volume, and mean transit time.
- SPECT provides perfusion snapshots, while PET allows detailed functional analysis.
- Contrast agents like Gd-DTPA detect BBB disruptions and permeability changes.
Conclusions:
- Diverse imaging modalities effectively overcome CNS diagnostic challenges.
- Advanced techniques provide quantitative and qualitative insights into brain function and pathology.
- Understanding these methods is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological disorders.