Development of a Dual Tracer PET Method for Imaging Dopaminergic Neuromodulation

Authors

Alexander K. Converse, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Onofre T. DeJesus, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Leo G. Flores, University of Wisconsin - Madison
James E. Holden, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Ann E. Kelley, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Jeffrey Moirano, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Robert J. Nickles, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Terrence R. Oakes, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Andrew D. Roberts, Minnesota State University - MankatoFollow
Thomas J. Ruth, University of British ColumbiaFollow
Nicholas T. Vandehey, University of Wisconsin - MadisonFollow
Richard Davidson, University of Wisconsin - MadisonFollow

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

The modulatory neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is involved in movement and reward behaviors, and malfunctions in the dopamine system are implicated in a variety of prevalent and debilitating pathologies including Parkinson's disease, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. Positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to separately measure changes in DA receptor occupancy and blood flow in response to various interventions. Here we describe a dual tracer PET method to simultaneously measure both responses with the aim of comparing DA release in particular areas of the brain and associated alterations in neural activity throughout the brain. Significant correlations between reductions in DA receptor occupancy and blood flow alterations would be potential signs of dopaminergic modulation, i.e. modifications in signal processing due to increased levels of extracellular DA. Methodological development has begun with rats undergoing an amphetamine challenge while being scanned with the blood flow tracer [ 17 F]fluoromethane and the dopamine D2 receptor tracer [ 18 F]desmethoxyfallypride.

Publication Title

Astroparticle, Particle and Space Physics, Detectors and Medical Physics Applications, Proceedings of the 9th Conference : Villa Olmo, Como, Italy, 17-21 October 2005

Recommended Citation

A.K. Converse, O.T. DeJesus, L.G. Flores, J.E. Holden, A.E. Kelley, J.M. Moirano, R.J. Nickles, T.R. Oakes, A.D. Roberts, T.J. Ruth, N.T.Vandehey, and R.J. Davidson. (2006). Development of a Dual Tracer PET Method for Imaging Dopaminergic Neuromodulation. In M.Barone, E. Borchi, A. Gaddi, C. Leroy, L. Price, P. Rancoita, R. Ruchti (Eds.), Astroparticle, Particle and Space Physics, Detectors and Medical Physics Applications, Proceedings of the 9th Conference : Villa Olmo, Como, Italy, 17-21 October 2005 (pp. 682-691). Hackensack, NJ: World Scientific.

Publisher's Copyright and Source

Copyright © 2006 World Scientific.