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)方法来绘制活体组织的pH值。组织pH调节许多细胞过程，在正常情况下受到严格控制。因此，pH值是细胞功能障碍和痛苦的敏感指标，特别是当氧气不足时，正常功能。目前，还没有高分辨率和高灵敏度的方法来绘制生物体内的pH图。最近，人们发现MRI造影剂可以被设计成产生依赖于组织pH的图像对比度。这些试剂在溶液中进行pH测量很好，但在活体中效果不佳，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的方法。一种是利用造影剂信号的新方面，另一种是使用组织中自然存在的信号。然而，这两种方法都需要进一步完善和优化，才能充分发挥其潜力。

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.