Abstract: Methods for assessing ischemic coronary artery disease are provided. The methods include administering a contrast agent that binds to a serum protein component to an animal and obtaining an MR image of the animal's myocardium during a period when the animal is experiencing hyperemia.

Abstract: Optical agents that contain a fibrin binding moiety covalently linked to an optical dye are described, as well as methods of treating intravascular lesions in a patient using such optical agents.

Abstract: A method is provided for improved visualization of vascular structures contained within magnetic resonance angiograms, particularly steady-state contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiograms. The disclosed methods include manipulating the relative enhancement levels of the arterial and venous blood pools images with respect to each other and to the surrounding anatomy. This manipulation is meant to optimize visualization of one or both of the individual blood pools without the necessity of completely obscuring or removing the supporting information given by presentation of the other blood pool and/or the surrounding anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for contrast-enhanced imaging of sexual response. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized X-ray tomography (CT), ultrasound, and optical imaging using contrast agents to measure blood flow during sexual response, especially female sexual response. The invention relates to methods of analyzing normal sexual function and sexual dysfunction and provides a means for evaluating and screening potential therapeutic compounds for enhancing sexual function or treating sexual dysfunction.