Imaging – the interface with pharmacology: looking to the future

Abstract

Basic research is constantly adopting novel, innovative and powerful approaches to enable a deeper interrogation of the specific subject matter. A clear example of this strategy is the development of multiple imaging modalities, both in vitro and in vivo based, that have revolutionized medical research, drug discovery, diagnosis and clinical monitoring. In this themed section of the British Journal of Pharmacology, we highlight a number of imaging platforms which are discussed in relation to their applicability for pharmacological experiments, including longitudinal studies. As such, the authors endeavour to describe the technology, its limitations and how these approaches can complement pharmacological research. In addition, there is discussion of the role of pharmacological imaging from a clinical perspective.Since the development of the light microscope in the 17th century, imaging has become an increasingly important tool in both medical research and clinical practice. This strategy took a leap forward around the turn of the 20th century, following Roentgen's discovery of X-rays (1895) and their applicability to diagnostic imaging. Since then, a wide array of approaches to image at the macroscopic, cellular and subcellular level have effectively revolutionized both medical practice and basic research. Examples include the advent of nuclear medicine, ultrasound and tomography through to 2-photon imaging and optogenetic approaches of the modern era.Our intention is not to provide a history of medical imaging, we will focus more squarely upon some recent advances in imaging approaches from a pharmacological perspective. This is not, and not intended to be, an exhaustive review of all forms of imaging, but rather a collection of divergent examples of how imaging and pharmacology can synergize and facilitate both basic research and clinical monitoring/drug development. From a clinical perspective, Rohini Sharma and Eric Aboagye discuss 'Development of Radiotracers for Oncology -the interface with Pharmacol-