Brain Imaging

History of molecular imaging.- Role of the author in the first imaging of neuroreceptors.- Basic principles on the use of tracers and brain imaging.- The chemistry of the brain in normal people.- Dementia.- Movement disorders.- Behavioral disorders.- Effects of therapeutic drugs on the brain.- Substance abuse and brain chemistry.- Where we are likely to be in the future.

A pioneer in nuclear medicine and past president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, Professor Henry N. Wagner Jr., MD has spent nearly five decades helping to define and promote the specialty. His groundbreaking work in the applications of nuclear medicine to pulmonary and coronary artery disease and his studies of brain chemistry with radio-labelled tracers have led to significant advances in these fields. Wagner is the director of the Division of Radiation Health Sciences at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he has worked since 1958. He is a professor emeritus of radiology and radiological sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a professor of environmental health sciences at the School of Hygiene and Public Health. A prolific researcher and writer, Wagner is author or co-author of more than 800 publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books and chapters. He is a member of several editorial boards and many medical and radiological societies, and an honorary member of the British Institute of Radiology (2000).

From the reviews: "The book, which is actually a compilation of the author's insights into brain chemistry and the potential implications for understanding human nature, is a distinctive contribution to the field. The purpose is to 'bring to date all the exciting work present in brain imaging, showing the differences among imaging modalities, and reviewing the knowledge of chemical reactions in the brain.' ... The intended audience is suggested to be 'both professionals and the public.' ... you're on your own if you read this book." (Michael J. Schrift, Doody's Review Service, April, 2009) "This interesting book first explains the technical and scientific details of molecular neuroimaging and then links to the clinical aspects of neurologic and mental disorders. ... Imagers, neuroscientists, and the general public will benefit from reading it. ... The 19 chapters are well referenced and logically arranged. ... It is definitely well worth reading ... ." (Franklin C. Wong, The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Vol. 50 (11), November, 2009) "This well-structured publication is actually a collection of insights into brain chemistry and the potential implications this has on human nature. The book is divided into 19 chapters and ... is based on the premise that a mental illness can be explained as a molecular disease. ... a valuable reference resource for medical specialists and students in nuclear medicine, radiology, neurology, neuropsychiatry or for scientists involved in neuro-research. ... stimulate cultural interest for non-specialists, including an educated general public of readers interested in scientific literature." (F. Coppola and L. Mansi, European Journal of Nuclear Molecular Imaging, Vol. 38, 2011)

From the reviews:



"The book, which is actually a compilation of the author's insights into brain chemistry and the potential implications for understanding human nature, is a distinctive contribution to the field. The purpose is to 'bring to date all the exciting work present in brain imaging, showing the differences among imaging modalities, and reviewing the knowledge of chemical reactions in the brain.' ... The intended audience is suggested to be 'both professionals and the public.' ... you're on your own if you read this book." (Michael J. Schrift, Doody's Review Service, April, 2009)

"This interesting book first explains the technical and scientific details of molecular neuroimaging and then links to the clinical aspects of neurologic and mental disorders. ... Imagers, neuroscientists, and the general public will benefit from reading it. ... The 19 chapters are well referenced and logically arranged. ... It is definitely well worth reading ... ." (Franklin C. Wong, The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Vol. 50 (11), November, 2009)

"This well-structured publication is actually a collection of insights into brain chemistry and the potential implications this has on human nature. The book is divided into 19 chapters and ... is based on the premise that a mental illness can be explained as a molecular disease. ... a valuable reference resource for medical specialists and students in nuclear medicine, radiology, neurology, neuropsychiatry or for scientists involved in neuro-research. ... stimulate cultural interest for non-specialists, including an educated general public of readers interested in scientific literature." (F. Coppola and L. Mansi, European Journal of Nuclear Molecular Imaging, Vol. 38, 2011)