Imaging--the interface with pharmacology: looking to the future.

Basic research is constantly adopting novel, innovative and powerful approaches to enable a deeper interrogation of the specific subject matter. A clear example of this strategy is the development of multiple imaging modalities, both in vitro and in vivo based, that have revolutionized medical research, drug discovery, diagnosis and clinical monitoring. In this themed section of the British Journal of Pharmacology, we highlight a number of imaging platforms which are discussed in relation to their applicability for pharmacological experiments, including longitudinal studies. As such, the authors endeavour to describe the technology, its limitations and how these approaches can complement pharmacological research. In addition, there is discussion of the role of pharmacological imaging from a clinical perspective.