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High-Resolution Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Small Animals
Published on: December 16, 2022
Recent Advances in Cardiovascular Diseases Research Using Animal Models and PET Radioisotope Tracers
Weronika Wargocka-Matuszewska1, Witold Uhrynowski1, Natalia Rozwadowska2
1Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warszawa, Poland.
Insights
Molecular imaging, particularly Positron Emission Tomography (PET), offers non-invasive insights into cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This review highlights radioisotope markers in rodent models for advancing CVD understanding and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Molecular imaging
- Medical diagnostics
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) encompass diverse heart and blood vessel conditions.
- Understanding CVD causes and progression is vital for effective treatment.
- Molecular imaging provides non-invasive visualization of biological pathways crucial for CVD research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in radioisotope markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) research.
- To highlight the application of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging in CVD studies.
- To discuss challenges and future perspectives for PET imaging in CVD research.
Main Methods:
- Focuses on a review of existing literature on radioisotope markers.
- Emphasizes studies utilizing Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging.
- Specifically examines research conducted in rodent models of cardiovascular diseases.
Main Results:
- Radioisotope-labeled markers are effective tools for in vivo studies of CVD phenomena.
- PET imaging, using these markers, enhances understanding of CVD causes and development.
- Current research significantly increases knowledge, aiding in monitoring and treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- PET imaging with radioisotope markers is a powerful tool for cardiovascular disease research.
- Advances in this field are crucial for developing effective CVD monitoring and treatment.
- Future applications of PET imaging hold significant promise for understanding and managing CVD.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a collective term describing a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Due to the varied nature of the disorders, distinguishing between their causes and monitoring their progress is crucial for finding an effective treatment. Molecular imaging enables non-invasive visualisation and quantification of biological pathways, even at the molecular and subcellular levels, what is essential for understanding the causes and development of CVD. Positron emission tomography imaging is so far recognized as the best method for in vivo studies of the CVD related phenomena. The imaging is based on the use of radioisotope-labelled markers, which have been successfully used in both pre-clinical research and clinical studies. Current research on CVD with the use of such radioconjugates constantly increases our knowledge and understanding of the causes, and brings us closer to effective monitoring and treatment. This review outlines recent advances in the use of the so-far available radioisotope markers in the research on cardiovascular diseases in rodent models, points out the problems and provides a perspective for future applications of PET imaging in CVD studies.
