ABSTRACT
Imaging of endothelial adhesion molecules spearheads the emerging eld of molecular imaging. Fundamental to the emergence of this new eld has been the development of speci c molecular imaging probes that have permitted adhesion molecule imaging using ultrasound, magnetic resonance, nuclear and optical imaging techniques. A wide variety of imaging probes have developed from basic science work and been optimized for adhesion molecule detection using various (and o en multiple) imaging modalities; they are described in detail in this chapter according to the methods used for their detection. e main animal experiments demonstrating the utility of these probes are highlighted, and the potential applications of adhesion molecule imaging to human disease are discussed. In addition, the chapter describes how the development of methods of molecular imaging not only o ers the possibility of a new diagnostic era, where disease can be detected in its earliest stages, but will also add further insights into disease processes, and eventually may even lead to novel methods of delivering targeted treatments that cannot be delivered systemically. e main challenges facing the future of endothelial adhesion molecule imaging are highlighted throughout the chapter.
