I
n order to closely study soft tissues of the body and the cells
that compose these tissues, various methods of examination have
been developed which do not require surgery. A few examples
include the computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission
tomography (PET) scans, and the most recently developed
method, nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) uses the tecniques of NMR spectroscopy in clinical
medicine. All of these methods are noninvasive and do not
require injection of a contrast material for examination.
However, each method has distinctive characteristics which
are best suited for particular medical purposes.
In general, CT scans require X rays in order to produce an image
of the brain in three dimensional form. These images are unique
because of their great contrast and resolution. MRI scans, on
the other hand, detect vibrations of protons located within water
molecules in tissues in the brain. This method does not require
X rays and has been very effective in locating abnormalities in
the body. The PET scan detects the emission of positrons from
positron emitting isotopes. This method is used to show where
compounds are located in tissues of the brain in a
three-dimensional form.
In this particular experiment, NMR spectroscopy was best suited
for detecting GSH levels in cancer cells. With the use of other
methods to determine GSH levels in cells, the cells are disturbed
or altered. However, with this high resolution, nonradioactive
method (NMR), the metabolites can be monitored noninvasively.
NMR spectroscopy basically allows one to look at certain
certain nuclei, such as phosphorus and carbon, and show
resonance. Since there are high levels of both of these
elements in cancer cells, the NMR method allowed
for clear observation of GSH levels.
In addition to cancer cells, many other cell lines have high
levels of metabolites containing phosphorus and carbon. With
this in mind, NMR spectroscopy is clearly the tool of the future
for noninvasive observations of cells. Namely, it can be used
for studying molecular dynamics, kinetics, microstructures, and
equilibrium levels of chemical reactions. Through the use of
more advanced methods and technology such as NMR, medical
researchers can begin to piece together the puzzles of biology
and medicine within the human body.
Group 13 - November 25, 1997