Novel imaging and related techniques for studies of diseases of the central nervous system: a review
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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Cerebrovasculature: Relevance to CNS Diseases
Published on: December 6, 2016
Zhenfeng Dai1,2, Yi Sun3,4, Xin Zhao1,2
1National Key Research Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Imaging technologies for the analysis of the central nervous system are rapidly developing. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging, tracer-based magnetic resonance imaging, CLARITY technology and optogenetics can be used to visualize small molecules in brain tissues, the interstitial system of the brain and neuronal circuits in whole-brain samples. These tools serve as powerful technical means to explore the mechanisms underlying disease models and to evaluate the effects of drugs. Here, we review the constituting principles of these imaging techniques and describe their applications in the field of neuroscience.
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