In vivo NMR Imaging: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology)

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging represents a technique that is indispensable in every day biomedical diagnostics. Thanks to the numerous ways to manipulate and detect an NMR signal, it is possible to obtain a variety of information with excellent spatial and temporal resolution. Today's MRI techniques go far beyond the illustration of pure anatomical structures and include the revealing of processes down to the molecular level. The number of small animal imaging centers relying on MRI as a key method for preclinical research to understand diseases and to test for novel treatments is growing rapidly. In Vivo NMR Imaging: Methods and Protocols is written as an experimental laboratory text to provide a descriptive approach of the various applications of magnetic resonance imaging and its underlying principles. Starting from a compact introduction of basic NMR physics and image encoding techniques suitable for a broad audience in the life sciences, the concept focuses on addressing the many ways of generating contrast in MR images. The authors cover an interdisciplinary range of problems to be addressed by this non-invasive modality, including study protocols for addressing morphological, physiological, functional, and biochemical aspects of various tissues in living organisms. Information about practical aspects of designing experimental studies that follow the special conditions for micro imaging setups are also provided. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, In Vivo NMR Imaging: Methods and Protocols aims to be an experimental compendium of modern in vivo MR imaging with special focus on recent developments in molecular imaging and new protocols for imaging metabolism and molecular markers.