Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) is well established as an important research and clinical molecular imaging modality. Although the size differences between humans and rodents create formidable challenges for the application of PET imaging in small animals, advances in technology over the past several years have enabled the translation of this imaging modality to preclinical applications. In this article we discuss the basic principles of PET instrumentation and radiopharmaceuticals, and examine the key factors responsible for the qualitative and quantitative imaging capabilities of small animal PET systems. We describe the criteria that PET imaging agents must meet, and provide examples of small animal PET imaging to give the reader a broad perspective on the capabilities and limitations of this evolving technology. A crucial driver for future advances in PET imaging is the availability of molecular imaging probes labeled with positron-emitting radionuclides. The strong translational science potential of small animal and human PET holds great promise to dramatically advance our understanding of human disease. The assessment of molecular and functional processes using imaging agents as either direct or surrogate biomarkers will ultimately enable the characterization of disease expression in individual patients and thus facilitate tailored treatment plans that can be monitored for their effectiveness in each subject.
Highlights
Positron emission tomography (PET1) is a noninvasive molecular imaging modality that measures the in vivo biodistribution of imaging agents labeled with positron-emitting radionuclides
The assessment of molecular and functional processes using imaging agents as either direct or surrogate biomarkers will enable the characterization of disease expression in individual patients and facilitate tailored treatment plans that can be monitored for their effectiveness in each subject (McLarty and Reilly 2007). In this short review of PET imaging technologies for small animal imaging we provide an overview of the principles of PET imaging, describe challenges and limitations inherent in the application of PET imaging to small animals, discuss the characteristics to consider in the selection of radiopharmaceuticals, and offer examples of imaging applications from our laboratory
There has been great progress in overcoming these limitations, and small animal PET imaging quality and quantitative imaging capabilities are approaching those of human PET imaging
Summary
Positron emission tomography (PET1) is a noninvasive molecular imaging modality that measures the in vivo biodistribution of imaging agents labeled with positron-emitting radionuclides. The development of targeted positron-emitting molecular imaging agents enables both the qualitative and quantitative assessment of numerous biological processes including perfusion, metabolism, protein expression, and enzyme activity. This diverse array of available molecular imaging agents, coupled with advanced data analysis methods, supports the application of PET for the assessment of normal biological processes, the assessment of changes in biological processes associated with disease formation and progression, and the ability to monitor the response of healthy and diseased tissue to therapeutic intervention. The current generation of small animal PET imaging systems can achieve spatial resolution in the 1- to 2-mm full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM1) range with point source detection sensitivities in the 1% to 15% range, providing image quality in small animals that is beginning to approach the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of human PET imaging (Tai and Laforest 2005; Weber and Bauer 2004)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
