Magnetic Resonance Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging of Physiological Parameters

这项研究计划的总体目标是开发新的磁共振成像（MRI）方法来绘制活生物体中的组织pH值。组织pH调节许多细胞过程，并且在正常条件下受到严格控制。 因此，pH值是细胞功能障碍和痛苦的敏感指标，特别是当正常功能所需的氧气不足时。 目前，还没有高分辨率和高灵敏度的方法来绘制活生物体的pH值。最近，人们发现，MRI造影剂可以被设计为产生图像对比度，这是依赖于组织pH值。这些代理执行pH值测量以及在溶液中，但不工作，因为有效地在活的生物体，因为检测灵敏度降低。我们最近开发了两种不同的测量组织pH值的方法。一种是利用造影剂信号的新方面，另一种是利用组织中自然发现的信号。 然而，这两种方法都需要进一步改进和优化，以充分发挥其潜力。

The overall goal of this research program is to develop novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to map tissue pH in living organisms. Tissue pH regulates many cellular processes and is tightly controlled under normal conditions. Therefore, pH is a sensitive indicator of cellular dysfunction and distress, particularly when there is insufficient oxygen for normal function. Currently, there are no methods to map pH in living organisms with high resolution and sensitivity. Recently, it was discovered that MRI contrast agents could be designed to generate image contrast that is dependent on tissue pH. These agents perform pH measurement well in solution, but don't work as effectively in living organisms because detection sensitivity is reduced. We have recently developed two different methods of measuring tissue pH. One utilizes a new aspect of the contrast agent signal, the other uses signals found naturally in tissue. However, both methods require further refinement and optimization to realize their full potential.