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Molecular Imaging: Basic Approaches

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Imaging in CNS Drug Discovery and Development

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Abstract

Molecular imaging is a broad, multidisciplinary field that aims to discover and apply novel molecules (probes) and methods to image normal and pathological biological processes on a cellular and molecular level in vivo. One might think of molecular imaging as performing histology and pathology without harming the subject. The molecular imaging probes that target specific cells, molecules, or biological events are equivalent to the stains and antibodies used in histology and pathology. The imaging technologies and methods provide the means to visualize these probes and report on the in vivo processes. In this chapter, we cover the basic concepts of molecular imaging and show both the advantages and disadvantages of different imaging approaches. Many techniques and probes can be readily used in preclinical trials to study the efficacy of a drug.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    John W. Chen

Authors
  1. Elisenda Rodriguez
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  2. John W. Chen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John W. Chen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mill Street 115, Belmont, 02478, U.S.A.

    David Borsook

  2. Mill Street 115, Belmont, 02478, U.S.A.

    Lino R. Beccera

  3. Dept. Psychiatry, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom

    Edward Bullmore

  4. Sumneytown Pike , West Point, 19486, U.S.A.

    Richard J. Hargreaves

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Rodriguez, E., Chen, J.W. (2010). Molecular Imaging: Basic Approaches. In: Borsook, D., Beccera, L., Bullmore, E., Hargreaves, R. (eds) Imaging in CNS Drug Discovery and Development. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0134-7_7

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