19F/18F exchange synthesis for a novel [18F]S1P3-radiopharmaceutical.

(19)F/(18)F isotope exchange is a useful method to label drug molecules containing (19)F-fluorine with (18)F without modifying the drug molecule itself. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is an important cellular mediator that functions by signaling through cell surface receptors. S1P is involved in several cell responses and may be related to many central nervous system disorders, including neural malfunction in Alzheimer's disease. In this study, [(18)F]1-benzyl-N-(3,4-difluorobenzyl)-2-isopropyl-6-(2-methoxyethoxy)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide, a novel (18)F-labeled positron emission tomography tracer for the S1P3 receptor, was successfully synthesized using the (19)F/(18)F isotope exchange reaction. Parameters of the reaction kinetics were studied, and correlations between the initial (18)F-activity, the amount of precursor, radiochemical yield and specific activity (SA) were determined. Contrary to expectations, high initial (18)F-activity decreased the radiochemical yield, and only a minor increase of SA occurred. This is most probably due to the complexity of the molecule and the subsequent susceptibility to radiolytic bond disruption. On the basis of the present results, a convenient condition for the (19)F/(18)F exchange reaction is the use of 2 µmol precursor with 20 GBq of (18)F-activity. This afforded a radiochemical yield of ~10% with an SA of 0.3 GBq/µmol. Results from this study are of interest for new tracer development where high initial (18)F-activity and (19)F/(18)F isotope exchange is used.

Electrophilic addition of chlorine monofluoride for PET tracers.

PURPOSE: We have studied the utility of [(18)F]ClF electrophilic addition to the carbon-carbon double bond of analogues of a model positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, [(18)F]EF5. The consequence of simultaneous chlorine/fluorine addition on lipophilicity and biological activity of the molecule is evaluated. PROCEDURES: Post-target produced [(18)F]F2 was reacted with Cl2 to produce [(18)F]ClF, which was used in electrophilic addition. RESULTS: [(18)F]ClF was produced and used to label chlorinated analogues of [(18)F]EF5. The chlorinated analogues, [(18)F]EF4Cla and [(18)F]EF4Clb, were synthesized simultaneously. The in vivo uptake of the analogues compared well with [(18)F]EF5 uptake in tumor-bearing mice. CONCLUSION: [(18)F]ClF is a suitable labeling reagent for electrophilic addition to double bonds of PET tracers. The results show that the modification of the pentafluoro group of [(18)F]EF5 by monofluorine-for-chlorine exchange affected the lipophilicity, but the hypoxia avidity of these molecules was not apparently altered.

[18F]CFT synthesis and binding to monoamine transporters in rats.

BACKGROUND: We present the electrophilic synthesis of [18F]2ß-carbomethoxy-3ß-(4-fluoro)tropane [[18F]CFT] and the pharmacological specificity and selectivity of [18F]CFT for monoamine transporters in the brain and peripheral organs of rats. The human radiation dose is extrapolated from the animal data. METHODS: [18F]CFT was synthesized by electrophilic fluorination of a stannylated precursor by using post-target-produced [18F]F2 as a fluorinating agent. The ex vivo 18F-activity biodistribution of [18F]CFT in the brain of rats was studied by autoradiography. The binding of [18F]CFT to the monoamine transporters was studied using in vivo blocking experiments with dopamine transporter [DAT], norepinephrine transporter [NET], or serotonin transporter [SERT] inhibitors. In vivo animal positron emission tomography was used as a comparative method to determine tracer kinetics. Human radiation dose was assessed using OLINDA software. RESULTS: The radiochemical yield of [18F]CFT from the initial [18F]F-, decay corrected to the end of bombardment, was 3.2 ± 1.0%. The specific activity [SA] was 14.5 ± 3.4 GBq/µmol, decay corrected to the end of synthesis. Radiochemical purity exceeded 99%. DAT-specific binding was found in the striatum, locus coeruleus, and pancreas. NET-specific binding was found in the locus coeruleus. SERT-specific binding was not found in any of the studied organs. Effective dose equivalent [EDE] estimated for the standard human model was 12.8 µSv/MBq. Effective dose [ED] was 9.17 µSv/MBq. CONCLUSIONS: Post-target-produced high-SA [18F]F2 was used to incorporate18F directly into the phenyl ring of [18F]CFT. The final product had high radiochemical and chemical purities and a high SA for DAT and NET studies in vivo. In periphery, [18F]CFT showed a specific uptake in the pancreas. EDE and ED corresponded well with other18F-radioligands.

Novel electrophilic synthesis of 6-[¹8F]fluorodopamine and comprehensive biological evaluation.

PURPOSE: 6-[(18)F]Fluorodopamine (4-(2-aminoethyl)-5-[(18)F]fluorobenzene-1,2-diol, 6-[(18)F]FDA) is a tracer for imaging sympathetically innervated tissues. Previous electrophilic labelling methods produced 6-[(18)F]FDA with low specific radioactivity (SA) which has limited its wider use. Our aim was to employ electrophilic labelling and increase the SA to around 15 GBq/µmol. We also sought to determine an extensive biodistribution pattern for 6-[(18)F]FDA in rats in order to thoroughly identify tissues with dense sympathetic innervation that were specifically labelled with 6-[(18)F]FDA. In addition, to investigate the safety profile of 6-[(18)F]FDA in larger animals, we performed in vivo studies in pigs. METHODS: 6-[(18)F]FDA was synthesised using high SA electrophilic [(18)F]F(2) as the labelling reagent. Biodistribution and metabolism of 6-[(18)F]FDA was determined ex vivo in rats, and in vivo studies were done in pigs. RESULTS: 6-[(18)F]FDA was synthesised with 2.6 ± 1.1% radiochemical yield. The total amount of purified 6-[(18)F]FDA was 663 ± 291 MBq at the end of synthesis (EOS). SA, decay corrected to EOS, was 13.2 ± 2.7 GBq/µmol. Radiochemical purity exceeded 99.0%. Specific uptake of 6-[(18)F]FDA was demonstrated in heart, lung, pancreas, adrenal gland, lower large intestine (LLI), eye, thyroid gland, spleen and stomach tissue. 6-[(18)F]FDA in rat plasma declined rapidly, with a half-life of 2 min, indicating fast metabolism. In vivo PET studies in pigs confirmed the tracer could be used safely without pharmacological effects. CONCLUSION: 6-[(18)F]FDA was synthesised with good radiopharmaceutical quality and yields high enough for several human PET studies. The SA of 6-[(18)F]FDA was improved by 50- to 500-fold compared to previous electrophilic methods. Uptake of 6-[(18)F]FDA was specific in various peripheral organs, indicating that 6-[(18)F]FDA PET can be used to investigate sympathoneural functions beyond cardiac studies when higher specific uptake is achieved.

Tracer level electrophilic synthesis and pharmacokinetics of the hypoxia tracer [(18)F]EF5.

PURPOSE: 2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)-acetamide labeled with [(18)F]-fluorine ([(18)F]EF5), a promising tracer for tumor hypoxia, has previously been synthesized in low yields and low specific radioactivity. In pharmacokinetic evaluations, in the presence of non-radioactive EF5, a uniform and low background uptake and high in vivo stability of [(18)F]EF5 have been demonstrated. Our purpose was to increase the specific radioactivity of [(18)F]EF5 to enable to study the pharmacokinetics at trace level. PROCEDURES: [(18)F]EF5 was synthesized using high specific radioactivity electrophilic [(18)F]F(2) as labelling reagent. Biodistribution of [(18)F]EF5 was determined in a prostate tumor mouse model, and formation of radiolabelled metabolites was studied in mouse, rat and human plasma. RESULTS: On average, 595 ± 153 MBq of [(18)F]EF5 was produced. Specific radioactivity was 6.6 ± 1.9 GBq/µmol and the radiochemical purity exceeded 99.0%. [(18)F]EF5 was distributed uniformly in tissues, with highest uptake in liver, kidney, and intestine. Several radiolabelled metabolites were detected in mouse plasma and tissues, whereas low amounts of metabolites were detected in human and rat plasma. CONCLUSIONS: [(18)F]EF5 was synthesized by electrophilic labelling with high quality and high yields. Pharmacokinetics of [(18)F]EF5 was determined at trace level in several species. Our results suggest that the trace-level approach does not affect the biodistribution of [(18)F]EF5. Extensive metabolism was seen in mouse.

α2-adrenoceptor regulation of blood glucose homeostasis.

The α(2A)-adrenoceptor has been identified as an important regulator of blood glucose homeostasis. α(2A)-Adrenoceptors on pancreatic ß-cells inhibit insulin secretion, and α(2A)-adrenoceptors on sympathetic nerves and on adrenomedullary chromaffin cells limit sympathoadrenal output. Recently, human α(2A)-adrenoceptor gene polymorphisms that influence α(2A)-adrenoceptor expression and function have been described. Increased α(2A)-adrenoceptor expression has been associated with impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, elevated fasting blood glucose levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, administration of α(2)-adrenoceptor agonists generally increases blood glucose levels, in spite of the ensuing sympatholysis that would be expected to lower blood glucose as a result of diminished α(1)- and ß-adrenoceptor activation. α(2)-Adrenoceptor antagonists increase insulin secretion and reduce blood glucose levels by inhibiting tonically active α(2A)-adrenoceptors on pancreatic ß-cells, but may also enhance sympathoadrenal output. In addition, α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists potentiate the insulinotropic effect of sulphonylurea drugs, pointing to a potentially serious adverse drug interaction when the two classes of drugs are combined. The α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole is widely used in veterinary medicine, and sulphonylureas are prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in cats and dogs. Even if no dedicated α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists are in clinical use in humans, some antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs are relatively potent α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists. In the treatment of type 2 diabetes, α(2)-adrenoceptor agonists could possibly protect against sulphonylurea-induced hypoglycaemia, and α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist drugs could improve insulin secretion. The potential usefulness of such drugs may vary between individuals, depending on α(2A)-adrenoceptor genetics, sympathetic tone and concomitant pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.

[(11)C]PIB-, [(18)F]FDG-PET and MRI imaging in patients with Parkinson's disease with and without dementia.

The objective of this study was to identify possible group differences between PD patients with dementia and without dementia by combining different functional and structural imaging methods in vivo, which might provide an opportunity to disentangle the pathophysiological correlates of cognitive impairment and dementia in PD. We performed a neuropsychological evaluation, structural brain MRI, [(18)F]FDG PET and [(11)C]PIB PET in 19 PD patients [eight non-demented (PD), eleven demented (PDD)] and 24 healthy elderly volunteers. [(11)C]PIB region-to-cerebellum ratios did not differ significantly between the groups in any brain region (p > 0.05). PDD patients showed impaired glucose metabolism in cortical brain regions and this reduction was associated with the degree of cognitive impairment. PDD patients had more atrophy both in the hippocampus and the frontal cortex compared with PD patients and controls, and hippocampal atrophy was associated with impaired memory. This cross-sectional data suggests that development of dementia in PD is associated with extensive spread of hypometabolism beyond the occipital cortex, and with hippocampal and frontal atrophy but not beta-amyloid deposition consistent with a unique biological process related to PD rather than co-incidental development of AD in persons with PD.

Assessment of islet specificity of dihydrotetrabenazine radiotracer binding in rat pancreas and human pancreas.

UNLABELLED: Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is a putative molecular target for the quantitative imaging of pancreatic beta-cell mass by PET. The VMAT2 PET tracer (11)C-dihydrotetrabenazine ((11)C-DTBZ) exhibits high pancreatic uptake that is reduced in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the islet and VMAT2 specificity of DTBZ binding in the pancreas. METHODS: The biodistribution of (11)C-DTBZ in rats was determined 10 and 60 min after injection. The localization of DTBZ radioactivity in rat and human pancreatic tissue sections was investigated by autoradiography. Saturation and competition binding assays were performed with (3)H-DTBZ and sections of rat pancreatic and control tissues. The binding of (11)C-DTBZ in pancreatic sections from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes was compared with that in control rats. RESULTS: The values for the pancreatic uptake of (11)C-DTBZ (percentage injected dose per gram of tissue) were 3.0 at 10 min and 2.7 at 60 min. At 10 min, pancreatic radioactivity was heterogeneously distributed, with higher levels toward the head of the pancreas (head-to-tail ratio, 1.7). No such gradient was observed in pancreatic sections incubated with (11)C-DTBZ and (3)H-DTBZ in vitro. In rats, (11)C-DTBZ and (3)H-DTBZ binding in pancreatic islets did not exceed binding in the exocrine pancreas. Saturable (3)H-DTBZ binding was observed in the rat brain striatum (dissociation constant [K(d)], 1.3 nM) and the bovine adrenal medulla (K(d), 3.3 nM), whereas in the rat pancreas, (3)H-DTBZ binding was nonsaturable. Competition binding with (3)H-DTBZ and VMAT2 antagonists also indicated that DTBZ binding in the rat pancreas was nonspecific and did not represent binding to VMAT2. Nonspecific pancreatic (11)C-DTBZ binding was lower in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes than in control rats. In sections of human pancreas, a subset of pancreatic islets were weakly but VMAT2-specifically labeled with (3)H-DTBZ. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the pancreatic uptake of (11)C-DTBZ is mainly due to nonspecific binding in the exocrine pancreas and suggested that the reduction in pancreatic (11)C-DTBZ binding observed in type 1 diabetes is not specific for the loss of beta-cell mass.

Comparison of 2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-[18F]fluorophenyl)tropane and N-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl)nortropane, tracers for imaging dopamine transporter in rat.

PURPOSE: This study compares 2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-[(18)F]fluorophenyl)tropane ([(18)F]beta-CFT) and N-(3-[(18)F]fluoropropyl)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl)nortropane ([(18)F]beta-CFT-FP) as radiotracers for imaging the dopamine transporter (DAT) in rat. PROCEDURES: Biodistribution, specificity and selectivity of the radiotracers were studied ex vivo in rats pre-treated with specific antagonists for DAT, serotonin transporter (SERT) and noradrenalin transporter (NET) and in control rats. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies were performed using an HRRT scanner. Radiolabelled metabolites were analyzed with thin-layer chromatography. RESULTS: [(18)F]beta-CFT showed slow kinetics with a maximum striatum/cerebellum uptake ratio of 9.2 at 120 min. [(18)F]beta-CFT-FP showed fast kinetics with a maximum ratio of 3.1 at 5 min. Both tracers bound to DAT. [(18)F]beta-CFT also bound to NET. [(18)F]beta-CFT was more resistant to metabolism than [(18)F]beta-CFT-FP. CONCLUSIONS: Structural modifications of [(18)F]beta-CFT significantly changed its biological properties, as shown by [(18)F]beta-CFT-FP. [(18)F]beta-CFT is a suitable tracer for both preclinical and human PET studies, but [(18)F]beta-CFT-FP is less suitable as a PET tracer.

Higher free fatty acid uptake in visceral than in abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue in men.

Visceral adipose tissue has been shown to have high lipolytic activity. The aim of this study was to examine whether free fatty acid (FFA) uptake into visceral adipose tissue is enhanced compared to abdominal subcutaneous tissue in vivo. Abdominal adipose tissue FFA uptake was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) and [(18)F]-labeled 6-thia-hepta-decanoic acid ([(18)F]FTHA) and fat masses using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 18 healthy young adult males. We found that FFA uptake was 30% higher in visceral compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (0.0025 +/- 0.0018 vs. 0.0020 +/- 0.0016 micromol/g/min, P = 0.005). Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue FFA uptakes were strongly associated with each other (P < 0.001). When tissue FFA uptake per gram of fat was multiplied by the total tissue mass, total FFA uptake was almost 1.5 times higher in abdominal subcutaneous than in visceral adipose tissue. In conclusion, we observed enhanced FFA uptake in visceral compared to abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and, simultaneously, these metabolic rates were strongly associated with each other. The higher total tissue FFA uptake in subcutaneous than in visceral adipose tissue indicates that although visceral fat is active in extracting FFA, its overall contribution to systemic metabolism is limited in healthy lean males. Our results indicate that subcutaneous, rather than visceral fat storage plays a more direct role in systemic FFA availability. The recognized relationship between abdominal visceral fat mass and metabolic complications may be explained by direct effects of visceral fat on the liver.

Autoradiographic characterization of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors in the human striatum.

Indirect experimental evidence suggests that drugs acting on the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor could be useful in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. In rodent brain, the highest levels of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors are found in the striatum, with lower levels in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. In human brain, because of the poor subtype-selectivity of the available alpha(2)-adrenoceptor ligands, the localization of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors has remained unknown. Recently, a selective alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor antagonist, JP-1302, was characterized, and to assess the presence of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors in human brain, we performed competition binding in vitro receptor autoradiography with JP-1302 and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtype nonselective antagonist [ethyl-(3)H]RS79948-197 on rat and human postmortem brain sections. In striatum of both species, JP-1302 vs. [ethyl-(3)H]RS79948-197 competition binding was biphasic, identifying high- and low-affinity binding sites, whereas in cortex and cerebellum, only low-affinity binding sites were detected. The results indicate that a significant portion of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in striatum is of the alpha(2C) subtype, whereas non-alpha(2C)-adreocneptors predominate in cortex and cerebellum. Because the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor subtype distribution pattern appears to be conserved between rodents and humans, results obtained from studies on the role of the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor in rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders may be relevant also for human diseases.

Ex vivo evaluation of N-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-fluorophenyl)nortropane in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The dopamine transporter (DAT) ligand N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl)nortropane (beta-CFT-FP) was labeled with fluorine-18, and its biodistribution was evaluated in rats ex vivo. METHODS: The distribution of 18F radioactivity in the brain and peripheral organs and tissues was determined at several time points 5-120 min after intravenous injection of [18F]beta-CFT-FP. RESULTS: The highest brain uptake of [18F]beta-CFT-FP was localized in the striatum; limbic structures also exhibited high uptake. Low uptake was found in the cerebellum. The highest ratio of striatum-to-cerebellum uptake, already reached within 5 min, was 3.1. Pretreatment with the selective DAT inhibitor GBR12909 significantly decreased [18F]beta-CFT-FP uptake in the striatum. In most peripheral tissues, the highest uptake was found at 5 min, indicating fast washout of the radioligand. Some accumulation of (18)F radioactivity was seen in bone as a function of time, reflecting defluorination of the radioligand. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that [18F]beta-CFT-FP is a potential radioligand for studying DAT in vivo with positron emission tomography.

Increased physical activity decreases hepatic free fatty acid uptake: a study in human monozygotic twins.

Exercise is considered to be beneficial for free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism, although reports of the effects of increased physical activity on FFA uptake and oxidation in different tissues in vivo in humans have been inconsistent. To investigate the heredity-independent effects of physical activity and fitness on FFA uptake in skeletal muscle, the myocardium, and liver we used positron emission tomography (PET) in nine healthy young male monozygotic twin pairs discordant for physical activity and fitness. The cotwins with higher physical activity constituting the more active group had a similar body mass index but less body fat and 18 +/- 10% higher (P < 0.001) compared to the less active brothers with lower physical activity. Low-intensity knee-extension exercise increased skeletal muscle FFA and oxygen uptake six to 10 times compared to resting values but no differences were observed between the groups at rest or during exercise. At rest the more active group had lower hepatic FFA uptake compared to the less active group (5.5 +/- 4.3 versus 9.0 +/- 6.1 micromol (100 ml)(-1) min(-1), P = 0.04). Hepatic FFA uptake associated significantly with body fat percentage (P = 0.05). Myocardial FFA uptake was similar between the groups. In conclusion, in the absence of the confounding effects of genetic factors, moderately increased physical activity and aerobic fitness decrease body adiposity even in normal-weighted healthy young adult men. Further, increased physical activity together with decreased intra-abdominal adiposity seems to decrease hepatic FFA uptake but has no effects on skeletal muscle or myocardial FFA uptake.

Non-specific binding of [18F]FDG to calcifications in atherosclerotic plaques: experimental study of mouse and human arteries.

PURPOSE: [(18)F]FDG has been used as an inflammation marker and shown to accumulate in inflammatory atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake and location of [(18)F]FDG in atherosclerotic plaque compartments. METHODS: The biodistribution of intravenously administered [(18)F]FDG was analysed in atherosclerotic LDLR/ApoB48 mice (n=11) and control mice (n=9). Digital autoradiography was used to detect the ex vivo distribution in frozen aortic sections. In vitro binding of [(18)F]FDG in human atherosclerotic arteries was also examined. RESULTS: The uptake of [(18)F]FDG was significantly higher in the aorta of atherosclerotic mice as compared with the control mice. Autoradiography of excised arteries showed higher [(18)F]FDG uptake in the plaques than in the healthy vessel wall (mean ratio +/-SD 2.7+/-1.1). The uptake of [(18)F]FDG in the necrotic, calcified sites of the advanced atherosclerotic lesions was 6.2+/-3.2 times higher than that in the healthy vessel wall. The in vitro studies of human arterial sections showed marked binding of [(18)F]FDG to the calcifications but not to other structures of the artery wall. CONCLUSION: In agreement with previous studies, we observed [(18)F]FDG uptake in atherosclerotic plaques. However, prominent non-specific binding to calcified structures was found. This finding warrants further studies to clarify the significance of this non-specific binding in human plaques in vivo.

Analysis of 18F-labelled synthesis products on TLC plates: comparison of radioactivity scanning, film autoradiography, and a phosphoimaging technique.

We compared radioactivity scanning, film autoradiography, and digital photostimulated luminescence (PSL) autoradiography (phosphoimaging technique) in detection of radioactivity on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates. TLC combined with radioactivity detection is rapid, simple, and relatively flexible. Here, (18)F-labelled synthesis products were analyzed by TLC and the radioactivity distribution on the plates determined using the three techniques. Radioactivity scanning is appropriate only with good chromatographic resolution and previously validated scanning parameters. Film autoradiography exhibits poor linearity if radioactivity varies greatly. PSL provides high sensitivity and resolution and superior linearity compared with the other methods.

Planar chromatographic analysis and quantification of short-lived radioactive metabolites from microdialysis fractions.

A sensitive radiochromatographic method for the quantitative determination of compounds labelled with short-lived beta-emitting radionuclides in microdialysates is described. The method is well suited for microdialysis (MD) samples, which have small volumes and low concentrations of compounds. An 18F-labelled (beta+; T(1/2)=109.8 min) radiopharmaceutical, (1R,2S)-4-[18F]fluorometaraminol (FMR), was injected intravenously into rats, and microdialysis fractions were then collected from the blood at 15 min intervals. Fractions were analyzed for FMR and its radioactive metabolites by planar chromatography combined with digital photostimulated luminescence autoradiography. The lowest detectable 18F-radioactivity was 0.24 Bq/application and the limit of quantification was 0.31 Bq/application with 4-16 h exposure. The method was found to be highly sensitive and linear in the range of 0.1 Bq-2 kBq. This method thus allows the quantification of beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals in sequential microdialysis fractions with good time-resolution.

Visualization and quantification of neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors in the human brain.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop a new positron emission tomography (PET) method to visualize neurokinin-1 (NK(1)) receptor systems in the human brain in vivo in order to examine their neuroanatomical distribution and facilitate investigations of the role of substance P, NK(1) receptors, and NK(1) receptor antagonists in central nervous system (CNS) function and dysfunction. METHODS: PET studies were conducted in 10 healthy male volunteers using a novel selective, high-affinity NK(1) receptor antagonist labeled with fluorine-18 to very high specific radioactivity (up to 2000 GBq/micromol) [F-18]SPA-RQ. Data were collected in 3D mode for greatest sensitivity. Different modeling methods were compared and regional receptor distributions determined for comparison with in vitro autoradiographic studies using postmortem human brain slices with [F-18]SPA-RQ. RESULTS: The studies showed that the highest uptake of [F-18]SPA-RQ was observed in the caudate and putamen. Lower binding was found in globus pallidus and substantia nigra. [F-18]SPA-RQ uptake was also widespread throughout the neocortex and limbic cortex including amygdala and hippocampus. There was very low specific uptake of the tracer in the cerebellar cortex. The distribution pattern was confirmed using in vitro receptor autoradiography with [F-18]SPA-RQ on postmortem human brain slices. Kinetic modeling of the [F-18]SPA-RQ uptake data indicated a binding potential between 4 and 5 in the basal ganglia and between 1.5 and 2.5 in the cortical regions. CONCLUSIONS: [F-18]SPA-RQ is a novel tool for exploration of the functions of NK(1) receptors in man. [F-18]SPA-RQ can be used to define receptor pharmacodynamics and focus dose selection of novel NK(1) receptor antagonists in clinical trials thereby ensuring adequate proof of concept testing particularly in therapeutic applications related to CNS dysfunction.

An autoradiographic study of [(18)F]FDG uptake to islets of Langerhans in NOD mouse.

To evaluate the potential of in vivo imaging of accumulation of lymphocytes to islets of Langerhans (insulitis), we compared 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([(18)F]FDG) uptake in the pancreas and pancreatic islets of healthy BALB/c mice, phenotypically healthy NOD mice with insulitis and diabetic NOD mice. [(18)F]FDG was injected i.v. to 14 female BALB/c mice (age 13+/-3 weeks, plasma glucose 8+/-2 mmol/l) and 21 age-matched female NOD mice (plasma glucose 8+/-4 mmol/l, p=0.06). The mice were killed 90-min post injection and distribution of radioactivity was analysed using digital autoradiography. There was no correlation of plasma glucose concentration with the [(18)F]FDG uptake values. Uptake of radioactivity in NOD mice to the islets affected by insulitis was up to 2.3 times higher (p=0.001) than that to unaffected islets in the same pancreas. Uptake to NOD islets with insulitis was also clearly enhanced (1.0-2.3 times higher) compared to the islets in the BALB/c mice. In conclusion, NOD mouse islets with insulitis accumulate [(18)F]FDG markedly more than islets without insulitis or BALB/c islets. However, the relatively small difference in the [(18)F]FDG intensity between healthy and diseased islets, combined with the limited resolution ability of the positron emission tomography (PET), probably prevent the use of [(18)F]FDG in PET studies aiming at in vivo documentation of onset and progression of insulitis and prediabetes in mouse and man.

The A1 allele of the human D2 dopamine receptor gene is associated with increased activity of striatal L-amino acid decarboxylase in healthy subjects.

The A1 allele of the TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the human dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) is associated with a low density of D2 dopamine receptors in the striatum. Because of the important role of D2 autoreceptors in regulating dopamine synthesis, we aimed to examine whether subjects with the A1 allele have altered presynaptic dopamine function in the brain. We also studied the effects of two other DRD2 polymorphisms, C957 T and--141C Ins/Del, which have been suggested to affect D2 receptor levels in brain. The relationships between the TaqIA RFLP, C957 T and--141C Ins/Del polymorphisms and striatal dopamine synthesis in 33 healthy Finnish volunteers were studied using positron emission tomography and [18F]fluorodopa ([18F]FDOPA), a radiolabelled analog of the dopamine precursor L-DOPA. Heterozygous carriers of the A1 allele (A1/A2; 10 subjects) had significantly higher (18%) [18F]FDOPA uptake in the putamen than subjects without the A1 allele (A2/A2; 23 subjects). C957 T and--141C Ins/Del polymorphisms did not significantly affect [18F]FDOPA Ki values. These results demonstrate that the A1 allele of DRD2 gene is associated with increased striatal activity of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, the final enzyme in the biosynthesis of dopamine and the rate-limiting enzyme for trace amine (e.g. beta-phenylethylamine) synthesis. The finding can be explained by lower D2 receptor expression leading to decreased autoreceptor function, and suggests that dopamine and/or trace amine synthesis rate is increased in the brains of A1 allele carriers.

Altered glucose homeostasis in alpha2A-adrenoceptor knockout mice.

To elucidate the functions of alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes in metabolic regulation, we determined plasma glucose and insulin levels and tissue uptake of the glucose analogue 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) in C57Bl/6J wild-type (WT) and alpha2A-adrenoceptor knockout (alpha2A-KO) mice at baseline and following alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist ((+)-4-(S)-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole (dexmedetomidine)) and antagonist (4-[2-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl]-1H-imidazole (atipamezole)) administration. Basal glucose levels were 30% lower in alpha2A-KO mice than in WT mice. In WT mice, dexmedetomidine lowered insulin and elevated glucose levels, and atipamezole reduced glucose levels. In alpha2A-KO mice, neither drug affected the glucose or insulin levels. [18F]FDG uptake was investigated in plasma, heart, liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, fat, and skeletal muscle. Cardiac [18F]FDG uptake was a sensitive indicator of sympathetic function. Liver [18F]FDG uptake conformed to the plasma glucose levels. In alpha2A-KO mice, drug effects on [18F]FDG tissue uptake were absent. Thus, the alpha2A-adrenoceptor is the alpha2-adrenoceptor subtype primarily involved in the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis in vivo.