Autoradiography is a process that uses radioactive emissions from a subject to produce an image that shows the concentration and distribution of radioactive material within a biological sample or part of the human body. It can be used to study cell and tissue structures, chemical receptors, RNA and DNA, and stages of cellular development and function. Digital autoradiography allows for the study of tissues and objects over defined periods of time. It may also be used to diagnose medical problems and detect radiation poisoning.
Autoradiography is the process of taking a type of image, called an autoradiography, that shows the relative concentration of radioactive material present within the person. The subject is usually a biological sample or part of the human body. The photographic plate is exposed to radioactive emissions from the subject under examination, producing an image.
Radiography is the use of radioactive materials or X-rays to produce an image. Using X-rays to bombard a subject while exposing a photographic plate or film to X-rays is the most common method for this type of imaging. Autoradiography produces a similar picture but is based on emissions of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays released by the decay of radioactive substances within the person, rather than from an external source. The resulting image will enable a qualified technician to determine the relative concentration of radioactive material and its distribution.
Sometimes scientists deliberately introduce radioactive substances into an object or fabric. The disciplines of cytology, which is the study of cells and their structure, and histology, the study of tissues and their structures, can both benefit from autoradiography. Autoradiographs can help scientists learn more about cell and tissue structures and how radioactive materials are absorbed and distributed.
In digital autoradiography, computers and radiation detection tools work together to provide the x-ray image. This type of autoradiography allows for the study of tissues and objects over defined periods of time. This technique may further improve our understanding of how radioactive materials disperse in tissue.
Research into chemical receptors, their distribution within tissues, and their function can also benefit from autoradiography. Biochemical agents infused with radioactive substances, called radioligands, are injected into tissue. These agents react with chemical receptors in tissue and, when an autoradiography is later performed, will allow the investigator to determine where these receptors are located, their relative frequency, and density of distribution. This technique is sometimes used to diagnose various medical problems.
Autoradiography can also be used to study RNA and DNA as well as stages of cellular development and function. It can also be used to isolate partial RNA and DNA sequences for study, especially in viruses. Physicians may be able to use this technique to detect, diagnose, and devise treatment strategies for various types of radiation poisoning by determining which tissues may have absorbed radioactive materials.
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