Radiolabelled

Radiolabelled Compounds

Radiolabelled compounds are molecules that have been tagged with a radioactive isotope. These compounds are crucial in various fields, including medical diagnostics, research, and treatment. The radioactive isotopes used in radiolabelling emit radiation that can be detected using specialized equipment, allowing scientists and medical professionals to track the distribution and concentration of the compound within a biological system.

Introduction

Radiolabelling involves the incorporation of radioactive isotopes into molecules, which can then be used to trace the path and interaction of these molecules in biological systems. This technique is widely used in nuclear medicine, biochemistry, and pharmacology.

Types of Radioactive Isotopes

Several radioactive isotopes are commonly used in radiolabelling, each with specific properties that make them suitable for different applications:

• Carbon-14 (\(^{14}C\)): Used in carbon dating and metabolic studies.
• Tritium (\(^3H\)): Used in biochemical and pharmacological research.
• Iodine-131 (\(^{131}I\)): Used in thyroid studies and treatment.
• Technetium-99m (\(^{99m}Tc\)): Widely used in diagnostic imaging due to its ideal half-life and gamma emission.

Applications in Medicine

Radiolabelled compounds are extensively used in medical imaging and radiotherapy.

Diagnostic Imaging

In diagnostic imaging, radiolabelled compounds are used as tracers to visualize organs and detect abnormalities. For example, positron emission tomography (PET) scans use radiolabelled glucose to detect cancerous tissues, as they consume more glucose than normal tissues.

Therapeutic Uses

Radiolabelled compounds are also used in therapy, particularly in the treatment of cancer. For instance, radiolabelled antibodies can deliver targeted radiation to cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Safety and Handling

Working with radiolabelled compounds requires strict adherence to safety protocols to protect against radiation exposure. This includes the use of shielding, monitoring devices, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

Research and Development

Radiolabelled compounds are invaluable in research, allowing scientists to study complex biological processes. They are used to track metabolic pathways, study drug interactions, and understand disease mechanisms.

Also see

• Nuclear medicine
• Radioactive decay
• Positron emission tomography
• Radiopharmaceuticals

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Radiolabelled for any updates.

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