Dual-functional probes towards in vivo studies of brain connectivity and plasticityElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthetic details, experimental information on relaxometric measurements, fluorescence microscope, animal protocols, MRI experiments and analytical data. See DOI: 10.1039/c1cc15991g

A Gd 3+ based paramagnetic dextran conjugate has been developed, which enables the tracking of neuroanatomical connectivity in the brain by both MR and optical imaging. Cell studies and subsequent in vivo experiments in rodents demonstrate efficient internalisation and transport properties of the new tracer molecule. An efficient Gd 3+ based paramagnetic dextran conjugate has been developed for in vivo studies of brain connectivity by MR imaging.