Abstract: Compositions and methods for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or frequency labeled exchange (FLEX) imaging are disclosed. Beta-hydroxycarboxylate and beta-aminocarboxylate derivatives including salicylic acid, salicylates, salicylic acid prodrugs, N-alkyl/aryl/acyl/sulfonyl-anthranilic acid analogs, and any aromatic compound with OH/NH group ortho to the carboxylic acid group are disclosed. Such compounds can be used as general MRI organic contrast agents and produce significantly improved contrast in MR images detectable through CEST or FLEX.

Abstract: The invention features novel heterocyclic compounds that are useful as MRI contrast agents. Specifically, the invention relates to a novel class of MRI contrast agents that produce significantly improved contrast in MR images that is detectable through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or frequency labeled exchange (FLEX) imaging. The MRI contrast agents of the invention include those delineated in the formulae provided herein. The invention also relates to various methods in which the MRI contrast agents are employed. Kits and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for obtaining a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or spectrum. The method includes a step of performing a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic labeling experiment of a subject using an MRI machine. When performing the CEST or MT magnetic labeling experiment aspects of a saturation pulse or a serial saturation pulse sequence, such as length (tsat), number (Nsat), offset (??), modulation frequency (?s) and power (B1) can be varied in specific-designed schemes. Data is generated from the CEST magnetic labeling experiment and is transmitted to a data processing unit. The data is processed to generate a visual representation of the data.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method for obtaining a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or spectrum. The method includes a step of performing a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) or magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic labeling experiment of a subject using an MRI machine. When performing the CEST or MT magnetic labeling experiment aspects of a saturation pulse or a serial saturation pulse sequence, such as length (tsat), number (Nsat), offset (??), modulation frequency (?s) and power (B1) can be varied in specific-designed schemes. Data is generated from the CEST magnetic labeling experiment and is transmitted to a data processing unit. The data is processed to generate a visual representation of the data.

Abstract: A dynamic dada sampling system and method is disclosed for in vivo small animal fluorescence molecular imaging and dual-modality molecular imaging. The system comprises a computer, a rotation stage for animal suspension driven by a motor, and a fluorescence excitation-detection apparatus. The fluorescence excitation-detection apparatus comprises a fluorescence excitation module and a fluorescence detection module. The CCD device of the fluorescence detection module is connected to a computer through an interface controller. The motor is connected to a computer through RS232 interface. The process of dynamic data acquisition is as follows: a fluorescent probe is injected into a small animal in order to target specific cells or tissues; a small animal is vertically hung on a rotation stage after anesthesia; the fluorescence imaging detection module acquires the emitting light continuously. The present invention can provide 360 degree imaging quickly, efficiently, and non-invasively.