Image Biochemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

N.A.

Teaching Methods

The subject will be presented in the theoretical classes, using audiovisual means. In the practical classes students will have to apply what they've learnt in the theoretical classes. In the seminar, students will present mini-essays related to the course subject, thus fostering self-learning. During all classes, discussion and questioning will contribute to the learning process. The practical side of the course is of tantamount importance, as it places the student in real situations closely related to his/her possible future career.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims at teaching the fundamental concepts that allow for the understanding and critical analysis of the information gathered through imaging of the main tissues and organs, in normal and pathological situations.
The metabolic characteristics specific to each tissue and/or organ are approached from a biochemical viewpoint, in order to ease a functional imaging study. Departing from the analysis of a metabolic pathway, the student is lead to understand how to choose the origin of an image that can supply information about that particular metabolic activity. Based on prior knowledge of the metabolism and associated image in normal situations, the student should be able to identify the changes in the image induced by a pathological situation and to suggest new targets for functional imaging.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Phosphocalcic metabolism.
Billirubin metabolism.
Thyroid metabolism.
Catecholamine metabolism.
Transferrin and iron ligands.
GpP membrane proteins.
Oxidative metabolism. Mitochondrial metabolism.
MIBI/Tetrofosmin, misonidazole, 11C-Lactate, Oxygen-15
Cellular death pathways.
Transmembranar transport.
Glucose pathways.
DNA duplication.
Amino-acid metabolism.
Vitamin B12 metabolism.
Fatty acids metabolism.
Cellular receptors and carriers.
Practical classes: visualisation of some of the metabolic pathways in models.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Manuela Monteiro Grazina

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Fourth Edition, 2004

- Chemical neuroanatomy, Emson PC, Ravem Press, 1983

- Nuclear Medicine in Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment, Peter Ell, Sam Gambhir, Churchill Livingstone; 3rd edition, 2004.