Molecular imaging

Abstract

The concept of molecular imaging is based on the translation of basic research in molecular biology to clinical practice through medical imaging. PET has been utilized to examine the oxygen metabolism in cerebrovascular disease. Recently introduced imaging technique using fresh brain slices in small animals has clarified the mechanism of hypoxic neuronal damage. By combining these imaging methods with molecular biology, it is now possible to explore the exciting new field, molecular imaging, toward better treatment and prevention of the disease.