Radiotracer methodology

In 1923, George Hevesy demonstrated the distribution of radioactive lead in the horsebean plant. This early demonstration of the potential use of radiotracers in biology was reinforced when J.G. Hamilton and colleagues used iodine-131 for diagnostic purposes in patients. Then in 1950 Cassen et al. designed the first scintillation counter for measuring radioiodine in the body, using calcium tungstate crystals coupled to a photomultiplier tube. This was followed by the development of the Anger camera, which permitted visualization of radiotracer distribution in biological systems. From these significant early discoveries to the present, many advances have been made. They include the discovery and production of many useful radioisotopes; the formulation of these radioisotopes into useful radiotracers; the advent of first- , and second-, and third-generation instrumentation for monitoring in vitro and in vivo distributions of new radiotracers; and the application of this knowledge to allow us to better understand physiological processes and treat disease states. Radiotracer techniques are integral to numerous techniques described in this volume. Autoradiography, nuclear scintigraphy, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are all dependent on an understanding of radiotracer techniques to properly utilize these probe devices