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Manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Jung Hee Lee1, Alan P Koretsky
1Laboratory of Functional and Molecular Imaging, National Institutes of Neurological Disorgers and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Manganese is essential but toxic at high levels. Manganese Enhanced MRI (MEMRI) uses manganese's unique properties for advanced imaging, assessing tissue health and neuronal pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Manganese is an essential biological cofactor, crucial for enzyme function.
- However, excessive manganese concentrations are toxic, causing neurological disorders.
- Biological systems have evolved mechanisms for manganese transport and storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in Manganese Enhanced MRI (MEMRI).
- To explore the potential of combining manganese's biological roles with its MRI properties.
- To highlight future applications of MEMRI in diagnostics and research.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing paramagnetic properties of manganese ions (Mn2+) as MRI contrast agents.
- Investigating manganese's biological transport and storage mechanisms.
- Reviewing current research on MEMRI applications.
Main Results:
- Manganese Enhanced MRI offers unique tissue contrast.
- MEMRI can assess tissue viability and act as a marker for calcium influx.
- It shows promise in tracing neuronal connections.
Conclusions:
- MEMRI leverages manganese's dual role as essential nutrient and toxicant for advanced imaging.
- This technique expands the information obtainable through MRI.
- Future prospects include broader clinical and research applications.