RADIOSELENOMETHIONINE Meaning and
Definition
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Radioselenomethionine is a compound that serves as a radiotracer in nuclear medicine imaging. It is a synthetic analog of natural amino acid methionine, where the sulfur atom is replaced by a radioactive isotope of selenium. This radioisotope, typically selenium-75 or selenium-77, emits gamma radiation that can be detected by imaging devices such as gamma cameras or positron emission tomography (PET) scanners.
Radioselenomethionine is primarily used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various types of cancers. It specifically targets cells that have a high rate of protein synthesis, such as cancer cells, making it an effective tool to detect and delineate tumor tissues. When administered to the patient, radioselenomethionine is readily taken up by cells through the same biological pathways as natural methionine. The emitted gamma radiation from the radioactive selenium allows for accurate localization and quantification of tumor metabolism and proliferation.
Additionally, this radiopharmaceutical has been found to be advantageous in assessing normal brain function and detecting abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems. Radioselenomethionine can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in regions of the brain where there is active protein synthesis, aiding in the evaluation of conditions like epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders.
Since radioselenomethionine contains a radioactive isotope, it carries potential radiation risks. Proper procedures must be followed when handling and administering it to patients, ensuring safety measures are in place to minimize exposure to healthcare professionals and patients.
Common Misspellings for RADIOSELENOMETHIONINE
- eadioselenomethionine
- dadioselenomethionine
- fadioselenomethionine
- tadioselenomethionine
- 5adioselenomethionine
- 4adioselenomethionine
- rzdioselenomethionine
- rsdioselenomethionine
- rwdioselenomethionine
- rqdioselenomethionine
- rasioselenomethionine
- raxioselenomethionine
- racioselenomethionine
- rafioselenomethionine
- rarioselenomethionine
- raeioselenomethionine
- raduoselenomethionine
- radjoselenomethionine
- radkoselenomethionine
- radooselenomethionine
Etymology of RADIOSELENOMETHIONINE
The word "Radioselenomethionine" is derived through the combination of several components:
1. "Radio-" comes from the Latin word "radius", meaning "ray" or "beam". In this context, it refers to the radioactive nature of the compound.
2. "Seleno-" is derived from the chemical element "selenium", which is symbolized by Se. Selenium is a nonmetal with various applications in industries like electronics and glass production.
3. "Methionine" is an amino acid that plays a critical role in protein synthesis and is an essential component of many proteins. It is derived from the Greek word "methion", referring to a type of sedimentary rock.
Thus, the word "Radioselenomethionine" combines these three elements to describe a compound that combines a radioactive element (selenium) with the amino acid methionine.
