Non-invasive physiology: 19F NMR of perfluorocarbons

Ever since it was shown that the 19F NMR spin-lattice relaxation rates (R1) of perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsions are highly sensitive to oxygen tension (pO2), there has been a developing interest in the use of PFCs to probe tissue physiology. Oxygen is required for efficient function by most tissues and hypoxia leads to rapid cellular dysfunction and damage. In addition, hypoxic tumor cells are refractory to radiotherapy. Thus, the opportunity to measure tissue oxygen tension non-invasively may be significant in understanding mechanisms of tissue function and in clinical prognosis. PFC NMR parameters are also sensitive to temperature, facilitating NMR thermometry with potential applications in hyperthermia studies. I will review the development of experimental techniques, applications to specific tissues and discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by 19F NMR of perfluorocarbons.