Enhancement of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism in rat brain frontal cortex using a ß3 adrenoceptor agonist.

We report the use of ß3 adrenergic receptor mediated activation of rat brain frontal cortex using mirabegron (a selective ß3 adrenoceptor agonist), measured by (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Another ß3 agonist, CL 316,243, did not have this effect due to impermeability through the blood brain barrier (BBB), while atomoxetine, a norepinephrine transporter blocker, did increase (18)F-FDG uptake in the frontal cortex. Mirabegron exhibited a dose-dependent increase in frontal cortex (18)F-FDG uptake. These findings suggest a possible use of selective ß3 adrenoceptor agonists in reversing regional glucose hypometabolism in the brain.