Single photon emission computed tomography in small animal CNS research

Abstract

Micro-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging is a powerful imaging technique able to achieve the temporal and spatial resolution needed for obtaining detailed functional data of different brain regions in small rodents. Multiple radiochemical strategies to develop SPECT probes able to target brain neurophysiology and neuropathology are developed. When combined to morphological imaging modalities such as micro-CT or micro-MRI, structural and functional information are merged improving, for translational CNS research, the understanding of neurological disorders in small animal models. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.