Activated MR contrast agents.

Mark P Lowe

doi:10.2174/1389201043376562

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Activated MR contrast agents.

Mark P Lowe

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Abstract

The relative non-specificity of the first generation MR contrast agents has meant that a new approach to their design is required. This review focuses on a new class of more specific or functional agents. These are the so-called "activated", "smart" or "responsive" contrast agents. The relaxivity of an activated contrast agent is responsive to (or can be modulated by) a particular in vivo stimulus such as a change in biological environment or activity. More specifically, a "switching on" of contrast in response to an event such as a change in physiological pH, metal ion concentration, enzyme activity or partial pressure of oxygen is sought. The current generation of activated MR contrast agents is discussed herein.

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Animals Biopolymers Contrast Media Drug Delivery Systems Humans Magnetic Resonance Imaging Magnetics Molecular Biology Molecular Probe Techniques Molecular Probes Nanotubes Tissue Distribution Journal Article Review

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Mark P Lowe. 2004. Activated MR contrast agents.. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201043376562

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