Autoradiography For Biologists

Autoradiography for Biologists discusses the basic and practical aspects of various autoradiography techniques. It is composed of six chapters; each chapter covers a specific form of autoradiography technique. Chapter 1 discusses various theoretical aspects of autoradiography, such as radioactive decay, beta-particle absorption, photographic process, sensitivity, and resolving power. Chapters 2 to 6 discuss basic aspects of several forms of autoradiography, including macro-, stripping film, diffusible substances, liquid emulsion, and high resolution autoradiography. Practical and theoretical details of the technique, together with modifications made, are covered in each chapter. This book will be both an encouragement and a help to people wanting to apply autoradiography to the solution of biological problems.

Autoradiography in Biology and Medicine focuses on the applications of autoradiography in medicine and biology, including photographic processes, emulsions, and response of films to isotopes and x-rays. The book first offers information on the meaning of autoradiography, including the etymology of autoradiography, photographic emulsion as a scientific instrument, and the relationship of biologists and autoradiography. The publication then examines the photographic process and comparative response of commercial and scientific emulsions. Discussions focus on fixation, washing, emulsion, response of films to electrons, x-rays, and gamma rays, and response of films to beta ray spectra of isotopes. The text takes a look at commercial photographic materials for autoradiography, autoradiographic image, and resolution. The manuscript then reviews the estimation of dose and exposure time, sources of error, and techniques. Topics include chemical variables, estimation of exposure time, errors occurring during the preparation of the autoradiogram for exposure, and contour autoradiography. The book is a valuable reference for readers interested in autoradiography.

Physical Techniques in Biological Research, Second Edition, Volume III, Part B: Autoradiography at the Cellular Level focuses on high resolution autoradiography with tritium. This book reviews the different autoradiographic techniques and difficulties in theoretical principles needed for the interpretation of autoradiograms. The topics include the characteristics of the different types of radiation; autoradiographic resolution; techniques for applying photographic emulsions; and autoradiography of water-soluble substances. The application of different isotopes; general aspects of the use of thymidine; physiological RNA synthesis; and RNA synthesis under pathological conditions are also elaborated. This text likewise covers the protein synthesis under normal conditions; electron microscopic autoradiography; application of electron microscopic autoradiography; and autoradiographic methods in cytochemistry. This publication is a good reference for students, researchers, and clinicians conducting work on the use of tritiated compounds in high resolution autoradiography.

Provides an introduction to the use of radioactivity in the bioscience laboratory. The text covers general aspects of radioactivity, methods for the detection of radioactivity, radioisotope protocols used to study key cellular processes, and a summary of legislative requirements in the US and European Union. Guidance on safe handling and detailed recipes are provided.