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Positron Emission Tomography

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Molecular Imaging to Target Transplanted Muscle Progenitor Cells

Molecular Imaging to Target Transplanted Muscle Progenitor Cells

Published on: March 27, 2013

Molecular imaging with engineered physiology.

Mitul Desai¹, Adrian L Slusarczyk¹, Ashley Chapin¹

¹Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 16-561, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.

Nature Communications

|December 3, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a novel molecular imaging method by activating natural vasodilation pathways in the brain using calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) variants. This technique enhances contrast for optical and magnetic resonance imaging without conventional probes.

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Area of Science:

Biomedical Imaging
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience

Background:

In vivo imaging is crucial for biological evaluation but faces challenges in linking signals to molecular events.
Current imaging probes have limitations in sensitivity and specificity for deep tissue analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel molecular imaging strategy that bypasses conventional imaging agents.
To leverage endogenous contrast mechanisms by perturbing vasculature for enhanced imaging.

Main Methods:

Utilized variants of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to artificially activate vasodilation pathways in rat brains.
Measured induced contrast changes using optical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Engineered CGRP agents for analyte-dependent and genetically encoded reporter applications.

Main Results:

CGRP-based agents induced measurable contrast changes in optical and MRI at nanomolar concentrations.
Demonstrated efficacy in deep brain tissue.
Showcased potential for switchable, analyte-dependent imaging agents and genetically encoded reporters.

Conclusions:

Artificially engineered physiological changes via CGRP offer a versatile approach for sensitive molecular imaging.
This method provides a new paradigm for molecular imaging and cell tracking in living organisms.
The technique enhances the analysis of molecular events in deep tissues.