(Hb) Haemoglobin is the major endogenous oxygen-binding molecule, responsible for binding oxygen in the lung and transporting it to the tissues by means of the circulation. Haemoglobin is contained in very high concentration in the red blood cells.
Haemoglobin is an Fe chelate tightly binding one Fe ion in its II oxidation state where it carries the charge 2+ (ferrous iron). If an oxygen molecule is bound to Hb, Hb is called oxyhaemoglobin, if no oxygen molecule is bound it is called deoxyhaemoglobin. When haemoglobin is oxidized (i.e. in a haematoma), Fe2+ is transformed into Fe3+. The resulting haemoglobin is then called metoxyhaemoglobin (Hb Fe3+).
Deoxyhaemoglobin and metoxyhaemoglobin act as paramagnetic contrast agents in MR, while oxyhaemoglobin is diamagnetic. This partly explains the special appearance of an aging haematoma in MR imaging and is also the basic of the blood oxygenation level dependent contrast (BOLD) used in functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (fMRI).

Inert hyperpolarized gases are under development for imaging air spaces, including those in the lungs. Because they mostly contain air and water, lungs are difficult organs to image.
These ventilation agents (gases) have potential in lung imaging and are currently used in studies of the pulmonary ventilation:
Specific isotopes of inert gases can be hyperpolarized. Hyperpolarized is a state in which almost all of the atoms nuclei are spinning in the same direction. Once the nuclei in the isotope 3He have been hyperpolarized using a laser, they remain in this state for several days. The inert, hyperpolarized gas can then be used in a lung imaging study, where the high concentration of polarized nuclei provides a sharp contrast in MRI. The technique is already being developed with a view to commercialization by Magnetic Imaging Technologies in Durham, North Carolina. According to the company, existing MRI equipment can be used with a few minor modifications, along with a gas polarizer. The technique could provide early detection and monitoring of pulmonary disease.
Hyperpolarized 129Xe can also be used as a magnetic resonance tracer because of its MR-enhanced sensitivity combined with its high solubility. This isotope differs from 3He in that it can dissolve in the blood. Strong enhancement of the nuclear spin polarization of xenon in the gas phase can be achieved by optical pumping of rubidium and subsequent spin-exchange with the xenon nuclei. This technique can increase the magnetic resonance signal of xenon by five orders of magnitude, thus allowing NMR detection of xenon in very low concentration. MR spectroscopy and imaging of optically polarized xenon shows considerable potential for medical applications (see also back projection imaging).
Nycomed Amersham anticipated the market for inert gases in pulmonary imaging. The company obtained an exclusive license for the use of helium (He) and xenon (Xe) as MRI contrast agents. Currently, the US FDA has not yet approved the commercial distribution of inert gas imaging equipment, because the technique is still undergoing trials.

Macromolecular Gd labeled albumins are a new class of contrast agents with a wide range of use e.g., MR angiography, breast MRI, perfusion MRI, Lung perfusion, etc.
Marketed gadolinium-based albumin-bound contrast media are e.g., MultiHance®, and Vasovist™; other prototypes are in development. Malignant tumors often show an increased uptake and metabolism of plasma proteins, especially albumin. Contrast agents with large molecules are delivered to all tissues, but only accumulate in those with leaky vessels by tumor capillaries (tumor neovessels). MRI tumor perfusion studies with Gd labeled albumin can show the success of tumor therapy by quantitative decrease in MR signal of the malignant tissue after therapy compared to before. In addition, the study of tumor sensitivity to a therapy with drug-labeled albumins seems possible.
After renal transplantation, MRI may diagnose albuminuria caused by glomerular disease with an albumin-bound blood pool contrast agent

See also Blood Pool Agents, Intravascular Contrast Agents, Contrast Enhanced MRI.

Short name: PLLGd-DTPA, generic name: (Gd-DTPA)n-polylysine, chemical compound: Gd-DTPA poly(L-lysine-Gd-diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'',N''-pentaacetic acid), central moiety: Gd2+, relaxivity: r1=13.1, B0=0.23T
A polymeric MRI contrast agent under development (preclin., Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) with advantages in both MRA and in the differential diagnosis of tumors, particularly in perfusion studies of the myocardium and potential in MR lung perfusion. Dozens of the relatively small molecule Gd-DTPA is bound covalently to polylysine, a large molecular weight backbone. The stable, highly water-soluble agent does not diffuse through the endothelium of the vascular system; it is subject to renal elimination.

The element helium (He) was discovered 1868 when P.J.C. Janssen and N. Lockyer detected a new line in the solar spectrum during the solar eclipse. Lockyer and E. Frankland suggested the name helium (Gr. Helios, the sun) for the new element. In 1895, helium was discovered in the uranium mineral cleveite and in 1907 it was found out that alpha particles are helium nuclei.
Properties: Helium belongs to the noble gases, is colorless, odorless, and occurs in two naturally isotopes, helium 3 and helium 4. As an inert gas, helium does not react chemically largely and don't burns. Helium 4 makes up over 99% of naturally occurring helium atoms. Helium is extracted from natural gas e.g. present in various radioactive minerals as a decay product. Deposits and sources are in the USA, Poland, the USSR, and a few in India. The rare deposits and increased consumption lead to a shortage of this gas.
K. Onnes worked for many years to liquefy helium, which persisted as a gas to the lowest temperature. Helium does not freeze at atmospheric pressure. The density of helium vapor at his boiling point of 4.2 Kelvin is very high, with the vapor expanding greatly when heated to room temperature. Nb, Tc, Pb, La, V, and Ta are superconductors at liquid helium temperature. Liquid helium is commonly used as a cryogen for superconducting magnets. A rapid evaporation of the cryogen is named Quench. See also Quenching.

Cryogenic liquids and their associated cold vapors can produce effects on the skin similar to a thermal burn and can cause frostbite. Prolonged breathing of extremely cold gases may damage the lungs and in absence of enough air or oxygen, asphyxiation and death can occur. Unprotected skin can stick to very cold metal (e.g. cooled by liquid helium) and then tear when pulled away.