Imaging of neuronal processes in the rodent brain: SPECT vs. ARG

Abstract

We compare two methods to image molecule distributions in the brain: high resolution small animal Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) (a 4D in vivo method) and autoradiography (ARG) (a high resolution 2D slice based ex vivo method). Which technique or combination of these techniques to use can only be determined by considering the specific task at hand. Principles, merits, pitfalls and limitations of each method are discussed, with emphasis on spatial resolution, temporal resolution, sample size, possible application areas, available molecules and labels, potential to reduce animal usage and complementary usage.