Radioactive And Stable Isotope Tracers In Biomedicine

An up-to-date, detailed, authoritative overview regarding all aspects of the theory and practice involved in utilizing isotopic tracers for the in vivo study of human metabolic function. Presents specific technical information on performing tracer studies including isotope infusion, analysis and interpretation of data.

Radioactive isotopes and enriched stable isotopes are used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry, and science, where their application allows us to perform many tasks more accurately, more simply, less expensively, and more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Indeed, in many casesâ€"for example, biological tracersâ€"there is no alternative. In a stellar example of "technology transfer" that began before the term was popular, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessors has supported the development and application of isotopes and their transfer to the private sector. The DOE is now at an important crossroads: Isotope production has suffered as support for DOE's laboratories has declined. In response to a DOE request, this book is an intensive examination of isotope production and availability, including the education and training of those who will be needed to sustain the flow of radioactive and stable materials from their sources to the laboratories and medical care facilities in which they are used. Chapters include an examination of enriched stable isotopes; reactor and accelerator-produced radionuclides; partnerships among industries, national laboratories, and universities; and national isotope policy.

In the past few years, the number of applications of tracers for in vivo biomedical studies has greatly increased. New analytical tools at the genetic and protein levels have spurred this growth, opening the door for a deeper understanding of metabolic events. This in turn promises to yield significant advances in the understanding and treatment of human disease. Now fully revised and expanded, Isotope Tracers in Metabolic Research, Second Edition is the established definitive text on stable and radioactive isotope tracers. In unique, multidisciplinary fashion, it presents comprehensive coverage of new methodological, mathematical, and theoretical approaches. This new Second Edition includes: All-new chapters on nuclear magnetic resonance, mass isotopomer analysis, and methods of protein metabolism analysis A completely updated categorized list of over 750 references Major advances in the development of mass isotopomer and positional isotopomer techniques, noninvasive isotope techniques for studying metabolic pathways, hyphenated techniques, and new tracer techniques The latest developments in quantification of DNA synthesis and mass spectrometry spurred by genome sequencing and proteomics New coverage of mathematical modeling Expanded coverage of microdialysis probes, laboratory procedures, and regulatory issues related to human studies In this complete guide to performing tracer studies, the authors systematically cover tracer selection, modeling considerations, sample derivitization, mass spectrometry analysis, and data interpretation. Problems and discussion questions highlight key points in each chapter. Isotope Tracers in Metabolic Research, Second Edition offers students and researchers a comprehensive, practical resource for utilizing the latest tracer methodologies.

This book serves as a practical guide and a manual on the application of isotopic tracers in understanding the cellular processes (e.g. molecular interactions, protein synthesis) in growth, development, and disease conditions. The techniques described in the book have been carefully chosen to underscore the role and relevance of isotopic tracers in the identification of molecular targets and mechanisms, and preclinical validation of potential therapeutics. This book is intended to be a valuable resource to non-experts that may include students, researchers, educators/teachers, and others who have an interest to understand the application of isotopic tracers in research. Each chapter includes a background, an outline of the method and underlying principles, and a detailed step-wise protocol. To augment the clarity and intellectual grasp, the chapters also include relevant illustrations and study questions. More importantly, the book covers techniques involving radioactive as well as non-radioactive tracers to expand the scope of isotopes in preclinical research including basic and applied science.