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Background Synaptic injury is a pathological hallmark of neurological impairment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PLWH), a common complication despite viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Measurement of synaptic density in living humans may allow better understanding of HIV neuropathogenesis and provide a dynamic biomarker for therapeutic studies. We applied novel synaptic vesical protein 2A (SV2A) positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging to investigate synaptic density in the frontostriatalthalamic region in PLWH and HIV-uninfected participants. Methods In this cross-sectional pilot study,13 older male PLWH on ART underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET scanning with the SV2A ligand [11C]UCB-J with partial volume correction and had neurocognitive assessments. SV2A binding potential (BPND) in the frontostriatalthalamic circuit was compared to 13 age-matched HIV-uninfected participants and assessed with respect to neurocognitive performance in PLWH. Results PLWH had 14% lower frontostriatalthalamic SV2A synaptic density compared to HIV-uninfected (PLWH: mean [SD], 3.93 [0.80]; HIV-uninfected: 4.59 [0.43]; P = .02, effect size 1.02). Differences were observed in widespread additional regions in exploratory analyses. Higher frontostriatalthalamic SV2A BPND associated with better grooved pegboard performance, a measure of motor coordination, in PLWH (r = 0.61, P = .03). Conclusions In a pilot study, SV2A PET imaging reveals reduced synaptic density in older male PLWH on ART compared to HIV-uninfected in the frontostriatalthalamic circuit and other cortical areas. Larger studies controlling for factors in addition to age are needed to determine whether differences are attributable to HIV or comorbidities in PLWH. SV2A imaging is a promising biomarker for studies of neuropathogenesis and therapeutic interventions in HIV., Understanding of the biological substrates of neurological impairment in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is limited. Here, novel in vivo SV2A positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging demonstrated lower synaptic density in older men with virologically suppressed HIV, potentially revealing a new biomarker of neurologic injury.

Acetylcholine (ACh) has distinct functional roles in striatum compared with cortex, and imbalance between these systems may contribute to neuropsychiatric disease. Preclinical studies indicate markedly higher ACh concentrations in the striatum. The goal of this work was to leverage positron emission tomography (PET) imaging estimates of drug occupancy at cholinergic receptors to explore ACh variation across the human brain, because these measures can be influenced by competition with endogenous neurotransmitter. PET scans were analyzed from healthy human volunteers (n = 4) and nonhuman primates (n = 2) scanned with the M1-selective radiotracer [11C]LSN3172176 in the presence of muscarinic antagonist scopolamine, and human volunteers (n = 10) scanned with the α4β2* nicotinic ligand (−)-[18F]flubatine during nicotine challenge. In all cases, occupancy estimates within striatal regions were consistently lower (M1/scopolamine human scans, 31 ± 3.4% occupancy in striatum, 43 ± 2.9% in extrastriatal regions, p = 0.0094; nonhuman primate scans, 42 ± 26% vs. 69 ± 28%, p

The positron emission tomography radioligand [11C]UCB-J binds to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A), a regulator of vesicle release. Increased neuronal firing could potentially affect tracer concentrations if binding site availability is altered during vesicle exocytosis. This study assessed whether physiological brain activation induces changes in [11C]UCB-J tissue influx ( K1), volume of distribution ( VT), or binding potential ( BPND). Healthy volunteers ( n = 7) underwent 60-min [11C]UCB-J PET scans at baseline and during intermittent presentation of 8-Hz checkerboard visual stimulation. Sensitivity to intermittent changes in kinetic parameters was assessed in simulations, and visual stimulation was repeated using functional magnetic resonance imaging to characterize neural responses. VT and K1 were determined using the one-tissue compartment model and BPND using the simplified reference tissue model. In primary visual cortex, K1 increased 34.3 ± 15.5% ( p = 0.001) during stimulation, with no change in other regions ( ps > 0.12). K1 change was correlated with fMRI BOLD response (r = 0.77, p = 0.043). There was no change in VT (−3.9 ± 8.8%, p = 0.33) or BPND (−0.2 ± 9.6%, p = 0.94) in visual cortex nor other regions ( ps > 0.19). Therefore, despite robust increases in regional tracer influx due to blood flow increases, binding measures were unchanged during stimulation. [11C]UCB-J VT and BPND are likely to be stable in vivo measures of synaptic density.

Objective Parkinson disease is characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms, reduced striatal dopamine signaling, and loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. It is now known that the pathological process in Parkinson disease may begin decades before the clinical diagnosis and include a variety of neuronal alterations in addition to the dopamine system. Methods This study examined the density of all synapses with synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in Parkinson disease subjects with mild bilateral disease (n = 12) and matched normal controls (n = 12) using in vivo high‐resolution positron emission tomographic imaging as well as postmortem autoradiography in an independent sample with Parkinson disease (n = 15) and normal controls (n = 13) in the substantia nigra and putamen. Results A group‐by‐brain region interaction effect (F 10, 22 = 3.52, p = 0.007) was observed in the primary brain areas with in vivo SV2A binding. Post hoc analyses revealed that the Parkinson disease group exhibited lower SV2A in the substantia nigra (−45%; p

BACKGROUND: Naltrexone is a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist used as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. However, only modest clinical effects have been observed, possibly because of limited knowledge about the biological variables affecting the efficacy of naltrexone. We investigated the potential role of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) in the therapeutic effect of naltrexone. METHODS: A total of 48 non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers (16 women) who met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence participated in two alcohol drinking paradigms (ADPs) separated by a week of open-label naltrexone (100 mg daily). Craving, assessed with the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire and the Yale Craving Scale, and drinking behavior were recorded in each ADP. Prior to naltrexone initiation, KOR availability was determined in the amygdala, hippocampus, pallidum, striatum, cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex using positron emission tomography with [11C]LY2795050. RESULTS: Participants reported lower levels of craving (Yale Craving Scale: -11 ± 1, p < .0001; Alcohol Urge Questionnaire: -6 ± 0.6, p < .0001) and consumed fewer drinks (-3.7 ± 4, p < .0001) during the second ADP following naltrexone therapy. The observed reduction in drinking was negatively associated with baseline KOR availability in the striatum (p = .005), pallidum (p = .023), and cingulate cortex (p = .018). Voxelwise analysis identified clusters in the bilateral insula, prefrontal, and cingulate cortex associated with the reduction in drinking (p < .0001). In addition, KOR availability in all evaluated brain regions was associated with craving measured in both ADPs. CONCLUSIONS: The KOR is implicated in drinking and craving following naltrexone therapy in alcohol use disorder. ispartof: BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY vol:86 issue:11 pages:864-871 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Objective Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) is integral to the brain glutamatergic system and cognitive function. This study investigated whether aging is associated with decreased brain mGluR5 availability. Methods Cognitively normal participants (n = 45), aged 18 to 84 years, underwent [18F]FPEB positron emission tomography scans to quantify brain mGluR5. Distribution volume (VT) was computed using a venous or arterial input function and equilibrium modeling from 90 to 120 minutes. In the primary analysis, the association between age and VT in the hippocampus and association cortex was evaluated using a linear mixed model. Exploratory analyses assessed the association between age and VT in multiple brain regions. The contribution of gray matter tissue alterations and partial volume effects to associations with age was also examined. Results In the primary analysis, older age was associated with lower [18F]FPEB binding to mGluR5 (P = 0.026), whereas this association was not significant after gray matter masking or partial volume correction to account for age-related tissue loss. Post hoc analyses revealed an age-related decline in mGluR5 availability in the hippocampus of 4.5% per decade (P = 0.007) and a non-significant trend in the association cortex (P = 0.085). An exploratory analysis of multiple brain regions revealed broader inverse associations of age with mGluR5 availability, but not after partial volume correction. Conclusion Reductions in mGluR5 availability with age appear to be largely mediated by tissue loss. Quantification of [18F]FPEB binding to mGluR5 may expand our understanding of age-related molecular changes and the relationship with brain tissue loss.

This was a first-in-human study of the PET radiotracer (11)C-LSN3172176 for the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype M1. The objectives of the study were to determine the appropriate kinetic model to quantify binding of the tracer to M1 receptors, and the reliability of the chosen quantification method. Methods: Six healthy subjects completed the test–retest protocol, and 5 healthy subjects completed the baseline-scopolamine blocking protocol. Multiple modeling methods were applied to calculate total distribution volume (V(T)) and nondisplaceable binding potential (BP(ND)) in various brain regions. The reference region was selected from the blocking study. The occupancy plot was applied to compute receptor occupancy by scopolamine and nondisplaceable distribution volume. Results: Tracer uptake was highest in the striatum, followed by neocortical regions and white matter, and lowest in the cerebellum. Regional time–activity curves were fitted well by all models. The 2-tissue-compartment (2TC) model fits were good, but the 2TC parameters often could not be reliably estimated. Because V(T) correlated well between the 2TC and 1-tissue-compartment (1TC) models after exclusion of unreliable estimates, the 1TC model was chosen as the most appropriate. The cerebellum showed the lowest V(T), consistent with preclinical studies showing little to no specific binding in the region. Further, cerebellar V(T) did not change between baseline and blocking scans, indicating that the cerebellum is a suitable reference region. The simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) slightly underestimated 1TC BP(ND), and the simplified reference tissue model 2 (SRTM2) improved BP(ND) estimation. An 80-min scan was sufficient to quantify V(T) and BP(ND). The test–retest study showed excellent absolute test–retest variability for 1TC V(T) (≤5%) and BP(ND) (≤10%). In the baseline and blocking studies, occupancy values were lower in the striatum than in nonstriatal regions, as may be attributed to differences in regional acetylcholine concentrations. Conclusion: The 1TC and SRTM2 models are appropriate for quantitative analysis of (11)C-LSN3172176 imaging data. (11)C-LSN3172176 displayed excellent test–retest reproducibility and is a highly promising ligand to quantify M1 receptors in the human brain.

CONTEXT: Cortisol, a glucocorticoid steroid stress hormone, is primarily responsible for stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver and promoting adipocyte differentiation and maturation. Prolonged excess cortisol leads to visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, memory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and more severe Alzheimer’s disease phenotypes. The intracellular enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) catalyzes the conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol; yet the amount of 11β-HSD1 in the brain has not been quantified directly in vivo. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed positron emission tomography (PET) scans with an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor radioligand in twenty-eight individuals (23M/5F): 10 lean, 13 overweight and 5 obese individuals. Each individual underwent PET imaging on the high-resolution research tomograph PET scanner after injection of (11)C-AS2471907 (n=17) or (18)F-AS2471907 (n=11). Injected activity and mass doses were 246±130 MBq and 0.036±0.039 μg, respectively, for (11)C-AS2471907, and 92±15 MBq and 0.001±0.001 μg for (18)F-AS2471907. Correlations of mean whole brain and regional Distribution Volume (V(T)) with body mass index (BMI) and age were performed with a linear regression model. RESULTS: Significant correlations of whole brain mean V(T) with BMI and age (V(T) = 15.23 – 0.63xBMI + 0.27xAge, p=0.001) were revealed. Age-adjusted mean whole brain V(T) values were significantly lower in obese individuals. Post hoc region specific analyses revealed significantly reduced mean V(T) values in the thalamus (lean vs. overweight and lean vs. obese individuals). Caudate, hypothalamus, parietal lobe and putamen also showed lower V(T) value in obese vs. lean individuals. A significant age-associated increase of 2.7 mL/cm(3) per decade was seen in BMI-corrected mean whole brain V(T) values. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo PET imaging demonstrated, for the first time, correlation of higher BMI (obesity) with lower levels of the enzyme 11β-HSD1 in the brain, and correlation of increased 11β-HSD1 levels in the brain with advancing age.

(11)C-UCB-J ((R)-1-((3-((11)C-methyl-(11)C)pyridin-4-yl)methyl)-4-(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-2-one) is a PET tracer for synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, which may be a marker of synaptic density. To simplify the scan protocol, SUV ratios (SUVRs) were compared with model-based nondisplaceable binding potential (BP(ND)) to select the optimal time window in healthy and neuropsychiatric subjects. Methods: In total, 141 scans were acquired for 90 min. Arterial blood sampling and metabolite analysis were conducted. SUVR-1 (centrum semiovale reference region) was computed for six 30-min windows and compared with 1-tissue-compartment model BP(ND). Simulations were performed to assess the time dependency of SUVR-1. Results: Greater correlation and less bias were observed for SUVR-1 at later time windows for all subjects. Simulations showed that the agreement between SUVR-1 and BP(ND) is time-dependent. Conclusion: The 60- to 90-min period provided the best match between SUVR-1 and BP(ND) (−1% ± 7%); thus, a short scan is sufficient for accurate quantification of (11)C-UCB-J–specific binding.

The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) is implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. We previously evaluated an agonist tracer, (11)C-GR103545, for PET imaging of KOR in humans. Although (11)C-GR103545 showed high brain uptake, good binding specificity, and selectivity for KOR, it displayed slow kinetics and relatively large test–retest variability of total distribution volume (V(T)) estimates (15%). Therefore, we set out to develop 2 novel KOR agonist radiotracers, (11)C-EKAP and (11)C-FEKAP. In nonhuman primates, both tracers exhibited faster kinetics than (11)C-GR103545 and comparable binding parameters to (11)C-GR103545. The aim of this study was to assess their kinetic and binding properties in humans. Methods: Six healthy subjects underwent 120-min test–retest PET scans with both (11)C-EKAP and (11)C-FEKAP. Metabolite-corrected arterial input functions were measured. Regional time–activity curves were generated for 14 regions of interest. One-tissue-compartment and 2-tissue-compartment (2TC) models and the multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) method were applied to the regional time–activity curves to calculate V(T). The time stability of V(T) and test–retest reproducibility were evaluated. Levels of specific binding, as measured by the nondisplaceable binding potential (BP(ND)) for the 3 tracers ((11)C-EKAP, (11)C-FEKAP, and (11)C-GR103545), were compared using a graphical method. Results: For both tracers, regional time–activity curves were fitted well with the 2TC model and MA1 method (t* = 20 min) but not with the 1-tissue-compartment model. Given the unreliably estimated parameters in several fits with the 2TC model and a good V(T) match between MA1 and 2TC, MA1 was chosen as the appropriate model for both tracers. Mean MA1 V(T) was highest for (11)C-GR103545, followed by (11)C-EKAP and then (11)C-FEKAP. The minimum scan time for stable V(T) measurement was 90 and 110 min for (11)C-EKAP and (11)C-FEKAP, respectively, compared with 140 min for (11)C-GR103545. The mean absolute test–retest variability in MA1 V(T) estimates was 7% and 18% for (11)C-EKAP and (11)C-FEKAP, respectively. BP(ND) levels were similar for (11)C-FEKAP and (11)C-GR103545 but were about 25% lower for (11)C-EKAP. Conclusion: The 2 novel KOR agonist tracers showed faster tissue kinetics than (11)C-GR103545. Even with a slightly lower BP(ND), (11)C-EKAP is judged to be a better tracer for imaging and quantification of KOR in humans, on the basis of the shorter minimum scan time and the excellent test–retest reproducibility of regional V(T).

(11)C-UCB-J is a new PET tracer for synaptic density imaging. Recently, we conducted (11)C-UCB-J PET on patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer disease (AD) and found a 41% decrease in specific binding in the hippocampus compared with healthy subjects. We hypothesized that (11)C-UCB-J may have potential to be a general biomarker for evaluating AD treatment effects via monitoring of synaptic density changes. In this study, we performed longitudinal (11)C-UCB-J PET on AD mice to measure the treatment effects of saracatinib, which previously demonstrated synaptic changes with postmortem methods. Methods: Nine wild-type (WT) mice and 9 amyloid precursor protein and presenilin 1 double-transgenic (APPswe/PS1ΔE9 [APP/PS1]) mice underwent 3 (11)C-UCB-J PET measurements: at baseline, after treatment, and during drug washout. After baseline measurements, saracatinib, a Fyn kinase inhibitor currently in clinical development for AD treatment, was administered by oral gavage for 41 ± 11 d. Treatment-phase measurements were performed on the last day of treatment, and washout-phase measurements occurred more than 27 d after the end of treatment. SUVs from 30 to 60 min after injection of (11)C-UCB-J were calculated and normalized by the whole-brain (WB) or brain stem (BS) average values as SUV ratio (SUVR((WB)) or SUVR-1((BS))). Results: Hippocampal SUVR((WB)) at baseline was significantly lower in APP/PS1 than WT mice (APP/PS1: 1.11 ± 0.04, WT: 1.15 ± 0.02, P = 0.033, unpaired t test). Using SUVR-1((BS)) in the hippocampus, there was also a significant difference at baseline (APP/PS1: 0.48 ± 0.13, WT: 0.65 ± 0.10, P = 0.017, unpaired t test). After treatment with saracatinib, hippocampal SUVR((WB)) in APP/PS1 mice was significantly increased (P = 0.037, paired t test). A trend-level treatment effect was seen with hippocampal SUVR-1((BS).) Saracatinib treatment effects may persist, as there were no significant differences between WT and APP/PS1 mice after drug washout. Conclusion: On the basis of the (11)C-UCB-J PET results, hippocampal synaptic density was lower in APP/PS1 mice than in WT mice at baseline, and this deficit was normalized by treatment with saracatinib. These results support the use of (11)C-UCB-J PET to identify disease-specific synaptic deficits and to monitor treatment effects in AD.

Serotonergic neurotransmission plays a key role in the pathophysiology and treatment of various neuropsychiatric diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in serotonergic neurotransmission after acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) using positron emission tomography (PET) with [(11)C]P943, a 5-HT(1B) receptor radioligand previously shown to be sensitive to changes in 5-HT. Five healthy subjects were scanned on a high resolution PET scanner twice on the same day, before and approximately 5 hours after ingesting capsules containing an amino acid mixture that lacks tryptophan. For each scan, emission data were acquired for 120 minutes after intravenous bolus injection of [(11)C]P943. Binding potential (BP(ND)) values were estimated from parametric images using the second version of the multilinear reference tissue model (MRTM2, t* = 20 min) with cerebellar grey matter used as a reference region. The change in [(11)C]P943 binding (ΔBP(ND), %) was calculated as (BP(ND,post) – BP(ND,pre))/(BP(ND,pre))x100, and correlation analysis was performed to measure linear associations of ΔBP(ND) between raphe and other regions of interest (ROIs). ΔBP(ND) ranged from −6% to 45% in the raphe, with positive values indicating reduced competition from 5-HT. In cortical regions, ΔBP(ND) ranged from −28% to 7%. While these changes did not reach significance, there were significant negative correlations of ΔBP(ND) of the raphe with those of cerebral cortical regions and the thalamus (e.g., r = −0.96, p = 0.011 for average cortex). These findings support the hypothesis that raphe serotonin is a critical modulator of cortical serotonin release via projecting neurons in healthy human subjects.

Models of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) propose that cerebral amyloidosis leads to neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive decline. This study investigated whether APOE genotype is related to β-amyloid (Aβ) burden in brain regions preferentially affected by AD and whether Aβ burden is associated with gray matter fraction (as a marker of neurodegeneration) and episodic memory performance in cognitively normal middle-aged individuals at varying genetic risk for AD. Three groups of cognitively normal participants aged 50–65 with a first-degree family history of AD [APOE genotype ε4ε4 (n=15), ε3ε4 (n=15), and ε3ε3 (n=15)], underwent [11C]PiB PET scans to quantify cortical Aβ, brain MRI and neuropsychological testing. APOE ε4ε4 participants demonstrated significantly higher cortical Aβ burden than APOE ε3ε3 (p

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has traditionally been characterized by a complete destruction of β-cell mass (BCM); however, there is growing evidence of possible residual BCM present in T1DM. Given the absence of in vivo tools to measure BCM, routine clinical measures of β-cell function (e.g., C-peptide release) may not reflect BCM. We previously demonstrated the potential utility of PET imaging with the dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptor agonist 3,4,4a,5,6,10b-hexahydro-2H-naphtho[1,2-b][1,4]oxazin-9-ol ((11)C-(+)-PHNO) to differentiate between healthy control (HC) and T1DM individuals. Methods: Sixteen individuals participated (10 men, 6 women; 9 HCs, 7 T1DMs). The average duration of diabetes was 18 ± 6 y (range, 14–30 y). Individuals underwent PET/CT scanning with a 120-min dynamic PET scan centered on the pancreas. One- and 2-tissue-compartment models were used to estimate pancreas and spleen distribution volume. Reference region approaches (spleen as reference) were also investigated. Quantitative PET measures were correlated with clinical outcome measures. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine colocalization of dopamine receptors with endocrine hormones in HC and T1DM pancreatic tissue. Results: C-peptide release was not detectable in any T1DM individuals, whereas proinsulin was detectable in 3 of 5 T1DM individuals. Pancreas SUV ratio minus 1 (SUVR-1) (20–30 min; spleen as reference region) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (−36.2%) in radioligand binding (HCs, 5.6; T1DMs, 3.6; P = 0.03). Age at diagnosis correlated significantly with pancreas SUVR-1 (20–30 min) (R(2) = 0.67, P = 0.025). Duration of diabetes did not significantly correlate with pancreas SUVR-1 (20–30 min) (R(2) = 0.36, P = 0.16). Mean acute C-peptide response to arginine at maximal glycemic potentiation did not significantly correlate with SUVR-1 (20–30 min) (R(2) = 0.57, P = 0.05), nor did mean baseline proinsulin (R(2) = 0.45, P = 0.10). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated colocalization of dopamine D(3) receptor and dopamine D(2) receptor in HCs. No colocalization of the dopamine D(3) receptor or dopamine D(2) receptor was seen with somatostatin, glucagon, or polypeptide Y. In a separate T1DM individual, no immunostaining was seen with dopamine D(3) receptor, dopamine D(2) receptor, or insulin antibodies, suggesting that loss of endocrine dopamine D(3) receptor and dopamine D(2) receptor expression accompanies loss of β-cell functional insulin secretory capacity. Conclusion: Thirty-minute scan durations and SUVR-1 provide quantitative outcome measures for (11)C-(+)-PHNO, a dopamine D(3) receptor–preferring agonist PET radioligand, to differentiate BCM in T1DM and HCs.

The effects of tobacco smoking on the immune system of the brain are not well elucidated. Although nicotine is immunosuppressive, other constituents in tobacco smoke have inflammatory effects. PET imaging of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) provides a biomarker for microglia, the primary immunocompetent cells of the brain. This work compared brain TSPO levels in 20 tobacco smokers (abstinent for at least 2 h) and 20 nonsmokers using a fully quantitative modeling approach for the first time, to our knowledge. Methods: (11)C-PBR28 (N-((2-(methoxy-(11)C)-phenyl)methyl)-N-(6-phenoxy-3-pyridinyl)acetamide) PET scans were acquired with arterial blood sampling to estimate the metabolite-corrected input function. (11)C-PBR28 volumes of distribution were estimated throughout the brain with multilinear analysis. Results: Statistical analyses revealed no evidence of significant differences in regional (11)C-PBR28 volumes of distribution between smokers and nonsmokers (whole-brain Cohen d = 0.09) despite adequate power to detect medium effect sizes. Conclusion: These findings inform previous PET studies reporting lower TSPO radiotracer concentrations in the brain (measured as SUV) for tobacco smokers than for nonsmokers by demonstrating the importance of accounting for radiotracer concentrations in plasma. These findings suggest that nonsmokers and smokers have comparable TSPO levels in the brain. Additional work with other biomarkers is needed to fully characterize the effects of tobacco smoking on the brain immune system.

(11)C-UCB-J is a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand that has been used in humans for synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) imaging and as a potential synaptic density marker. The centrum semiovale (CS) is a proposed reference region for noninvasive quantification of (11)C-UCB-J, due to negligible concentrations of SV2A in this region in baboon brain assessed by in vitro methods. However, in displacement scans with SV2A-specific drug levetiracetam in humans, a decrease in (11)C-UCB-J concentration was observed in the CS, consistent with some degree of specific binding. The current study aims to validate the CS as a reference region by (1) optimizing CS region of interest (ROI) to minimize spill-in from gray matter with high radioactivity concentrations; (2) investigating convergence of CS ROI values using ordered subset expectation maximization (OS-EM) reconstruction, and (3) comparing baseline CS volume of distribution (V(T)) to nondisplaceable uptake in gray matter, V(ND). Improving ROI definition and increasing OS-EM iterations during reconstruction decreased the difference between CS V(T) and V(ND). However, even with these corrections, CS V(T) overestimated V(ND) by ∼35–40%. These measures showed significant correlation, suggesting that, though biased, the CS may be a useful estimate of nondisplaceable uptake, allowing for noninvasive quantification for SV2A PET.

PURPOSE: Synaptic abnormalities have been implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. Hence, PET imaging of the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) may be a valuable in vivo biomarker for neurologic and psychiatric diseases. We previously developed [(11)C]UCB-J, a PET radiotracer with high affinity and selectivity toward SV2A; however, the short radioactive half-life (20 min for (11)C) places some limitations on its broader application. Herein, we report the first synthesis of the longer-lived (18)F-labeled counterpart (half-life: 110 min), [(18)F]UCB-J, and its evaluation in nonhuman primates. METHODS: [(18)F]UCB-J was synthesized from the iodonium precursors. PET imaging experiments with [(18)F]UCB-J were conducted in rhesus monkeys to assess the pharmacokinetic and in vivo binding properties. Arterial samples were taken for analysis of radioactive metabolites and generation of input functions. Regional time–activity curves were analyzed using the one-tissue compartment model to derive regional distribution volumes and binding potentials for comparison with [(11)C]UCB-J. RESULTS: [(18)F]UCB-J was prepared in high radiochemical and enantiomeric purity, but low radiochemical yield. Evaluation in nonhuman primates indicated that the radiotracer displayed pharmacokinetic and imaging characteristics similar to those of [(11)C]UCB-J, with moderate metabolism rate, high brain uptake, fast and reversible binding kinetics, and high specific binding signals. CONCLUSION: We have accomplished the first synthesis of the novel SV2A radiotracer [(18)F]UCB-J. [(18)F]UCB-J is demonstrated to be an excellent imaging agent and may prove to be useful for imaging and quantification of SV2A expression, and synaptic density, in humans.

While 5-HT

Sex differences exist in the neurochemical mechanisms underlying tobacco smoking and smoking-related behaviors. Men tend to smoke for the reinforcing effects of nicotine, whereas women tend to smoke for stress and mood regulation, and have a harder time maintaining long-term abstinence. The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system drives the reinforcing effects of tobacco smoking, whereas the mesocortical DA system—including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)—is critical for stress-related cognitive functioning and inhibitory control. This study is the first to investigate dlPFC D(2/3)-type receptor (D(2)R) availability and amphetamine-induced cortical DA release in smokers and nonsmokers. Forty-nine subjects (24 tobacco smokers (12 females) and 25 sex- and age-matched nonsmokers) participated in two same-day [(11)C]FLB457 positron emission tomography (PET) scans before and 3-hours after amphetamine administration (0.4–0.5 mg/kg, PO). D(2)R availability (non-displaceable binding potential; BP(ND)) was measured pre- and post-amphetamine. The percent fractional change in BP(ND) (%ΔBP(ND)) between pre- and post-amphetamine, an index of DA release, was compared between male and female smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers showed significantly lower dlPFC D(2)R availability (BP(ND) = 0.77 ± 0.05) than nonsmokers (BP(ND) = 0.92 ± 0.04), p = 0.016, driven by males. Female smokers showed significantly less amphetamine-induced DA release in dlPFC (%ΔBP(ND) = 1.9 ± 3.0%) than male smokers (%ΔBP(ND) = 14.0 ± 4.3%), p

Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) have been characterized as an aversive system in the brain and implicated in social behavior in preclinical models. This work investigated the effect of social status on the KOR system in humans using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the novel KOR agonist radiotracer [(11)C]EKAP. Eighteen healthy participants (mean age 41.2 ± 9.3) completed the Barratt Simplified Measure of Social Status (BSMSS), an MRI and an [(11)C]EKAP PET scan on the High Resolution Research Tomograph. Arterial blood sampling and metabolite analysis were conducted to obtain the input function. Regions of interest were based upon an MR template and included the reward/aversion areas of the brain. The multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) method was applied to the regional time-activity curves (TACs) to calculate [(11)C]EKAP regional volume of distribution (V(T)). Mixed models and Pearson correlation coefficients were used for body mass index (BMI), gender and age, with age being dropped in subsequent analyses because of nonsignificance. An overall effect of primary ROIs (F(7, 112) 7.43, p

The enzyme phosphodiesterase 2A (PF-05270430) is a potential target for development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of cognitive impairments. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the PDE2A ligand 18F-PF-05270430, 4-(3-fluoroazetidin-1-yl)-7-methyl-5-(1-methyl-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)imidazo[1,5-f][1,2,4]triazine, in nonhuman primates. Methods: 18F-PF-05270430 was radiolabeled by 2 methods via nucleophilic substitution of its tosylate precursor. Tissue metabolite analysis in rodents and PET imaging in nonhuman primates under baseline and blocking conditions were performed to determine the pharmacokinetic and binding characteristics of the new radioligand. Various kinetic modeling approaches were assessed to select the optimal method for analysis of imaging data. Results: 18F-PF-05270430 was synthesized in greater than 98% radiochemical purity and high specific activity. In the nonhuman primate brain, uptake of 18F-PF-05270430 was fast, with peak concentration (SUVs of 1.5–1.8 in rhesus monkeys) achieved within 7 min after injection. The rank order of uptake was striatum > neocortical regions > cerebellum. Regional time–activity curves were well fitted by the 2-tissue-compartment model and the multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) method to arrive at reliable estimates of regional distribution volume (VT) and binding potential (BPND) with 120 min of scan data. Regional VT values (MA1) ranged from 1.28 mL/cm3 in the cerebellum to 3.71 mL/cm3 in the putamen, with a BPND of 0.25 in the temporal cortex and 1.92 in the putamen. Regional BPND values estimated by the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) were similar to those from MA1. Test–retest variability in high-binding regions (striatum) was 4% ± 6% for MA1 VT, 13% ± 6% for MA1 BPND, and 13% ± 7% SRTM BPND, respectively. Pretreatment of animals with the PDE2A inhibitor PF-05180999 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of 18F-PF-05270430 specific binding, with a half maximal effective concentration of 69.4 ng/mL in plasma PF-05180999 concentration. Conclusion: 18F-PF-05270430 displayed fast and reversible kinetics in nonhuman primates, as well as specific binding blockable by a PDE2A inhibitor. This is the first PET tracer with desirable imaging properties and demonstrated ability to image and quantify PDE2A in vivo.

This was a first-in-human study of the novel phosphodiesterase-2A (PDE2A) PET ligand 18F-PF-05270430. The primary goals were to determine the appropriate tracer kinetic model to quantify brain uptake and to examine the within-subject test–retest variability. Methods: In advance of human studies, radiation dosimetry was determined in nonhuman primates. Six healthy male subjects participated in a test–retest protocol with dynamic scans and metabolite-corrected input functions. Nine brain regions of interest were studied, including the striatum, white matter, neocortical regions, and cerebellum. Multiple modeling methods were applied to calculate volume of distribution (VT) and binding potentials relative to the nondisplaceable tracer in tissue (BPND), concentration of tracer in plasma (BPP), and free tracer in tissue (BPF). The cerebellum was selected as a reference region to calculate binding potentials. Results: The dosimetry study provided an effective dose of less than 0.30 mSv/MBq, with the gallbladder as the critical organ; the human target dose was 185 MBq. There were no adverse events or clinically detectable pharmacologic effects reported. Tracer uptake was highest in the striatum, followed by neocortical regions and white matter, and lowest in the cerebellum. Regional time–activity curves were well fit by multilinear analysis-1, and a 70-min scan duration was sufficient to quantify VT and the binding potentials. BPND, with mean values ranging from 0.3 to 0.8, showed the best intrasubject and intersubject variability and reliability. Test–retest variability in the whole brain (excluding the cerebellum) of VT, BPND, and BPP were 8%, 16%, and 17%, respectively. Conclusion: 18F-PF-05270430 shows promise as a PDE2A PET ligand, albeit with low binding potential values.

Objective Previous imaging studies with positron emission tomography (PET) have reliably demonstrated an age-associated decline in the dopamine system. Most of these studies have focused on the densities of dopamine receptor subtypes D 2/3 R (D 2 R family) in the striatum using antagonist radiotracers that are largely nonselective for D 2 R vs. D 3 R subtypes. Therefore, less is known about any possible age effects in D 3 -rich extrastriatal areas such as the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) and hypothalamus. This study sought to investigate whether the receptor availability measured with [ 11 C](+)PHNO, a D 3 R-preferring agonist radiotracer, also declines with age. Methods Forty-two healthy control subjects (9 females, 33 males; age range 19–55 years) were scanned with [ 11 C](+)PHNO using a High Resolution Research Tomograph (HRRT). Parametric images were computed using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM2) with cerebellum as the reference region. Binding potentials ( BP ND ) were calculated for the amygdala, caudate, hypothalamus, pallidum, putamen, SN/VTA, thalamus, and ventral striatum and then confirmed at the voxel level with whole-brain parametric images. Results Regional [ 11 C](+)PHNO BP ND displayed a negative correlation between receptor availability and age in the caudate ( r = − 0.56, corrected p = 0.0008) and putamen ( r = − 0.45, corrected p = 0.02) in healthy subjects (respectively 8% and 5% lower per decade). No significant correlations with age were found between age and other regions (including the hypothalamus and SN/VTA). Secondary whole-brain voxel-wise analysis confirmed these ROI findings of negative associations and further identified a positive correlation in midbrain (SN/VTA) regions. Conclusion In accordance with previous studies, the striatum (an area rich in D 2 R) is associated with age-related declines of the dopamine system. We did not initially find evidence of changes with age in the SN/VTA and hypothalamus, areas previously found to have a predominantly D 3 R signal as measured with [ 11 C](+)PHNO. A secondary analysis did find a significant positive correlation in midbrain (SN/VTA) regions, indicating that there may be differential effects of aging, whereby D 2 R receptor availability decreases with age while D 3 R availability stays unchanged or is increased.

The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) is thought to play an important therapeutic role in a wide range of neuropsychiatric and substance abuse disorders, including alcohol dependence. LY2456302 is a recently developed KOR antagonist with high affinity and selectivity and showed efficacy in the suppression of ethanol consumption in rats. This study investigated brain penetration and KOR target engagement after single oral doses (0.5-25 mg) of LY2456302 in 13 healthy human subjects. Three positron emission tomography scans with the KOR antagonist radiotracer (11)C-LY2795050 were conducted at baseline, 2.5 hours postdose, and 24 hours postdose. LY2456302 was well tolerated in all subjects without serious adverse events. Distribution volume was estimated using the multilinear analysis 1 method for each scan. Receptor occupancy (RO) was derived from a graphical occupancy plot and related to LY2456302 plasma concentration to determine maximum occupancy (rmax) and IC50. LY2456302 dose dependently blocked the binding of (11)C-LY2795050 and nearly saturated the receptors at 10 mg, 2.5 hours postdose. Thus, a dose of 10 mg of LY2456302 appears well suited for further clinical testing. Based on the pharmacokinetic (PK)-RO model, the rmax and IC50 of LY2456302 were estimated as 93% and 0.58 ng/ml to 0.65 ng/ml, respectively. Assuming that rmax is 100%, IC50 was estimated as 0.83 ng/ml.

Animal studies indicate that the kappa-opioid receptor/dynorphin system plays an important role in cocaine binges and stress-induced relapse. Our goal was to investigate changes in kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) availability in the human brain using positron emission tomography (PET), before and after a cocaine binge. We also investigated the correlation between KOR and stress-induced cocaine self-administration. PET imaging was performed with the KOR selective agonist [(11)C]GR103545. Subjects with cocaine-use disorder (CUD) underwent PET scans and performed two types of cocaine self-administration sessions in the laboratory as follows: (1) choice sessions following a cold pressor test, to induce stress, and (2) binge dosing of cocaine. This allowed us investigate the following: (1) the association between KOR binding and a laboratory model of stress-induced relapse and (2) the change in KOR binding following a 3-day cocaine binge, which is thought to represent a change in endogenous dynorphin. A group of matched healthy controls was included to investigate between group differences in KOR availability. A significant association between [(11)C]GR103545 binding and cocaine self-administration was seen: greater KOR availability was associated with more choices for cocaine. In addition, the 3-day cocaine binge significantly reduced [(11)C]GR103545 binding by 18% in the striatum and 14% across brain regions. No difference in [(11)C]GR103545 binding was found between the CUD subjects and matched controls. In the context of previous studies, these findings add to the growing evidence that pharmacotherapies targeting the KOR have the potential to significantly impact treatment development for cocaine-use disorder.

Serotonin receptor 6 (5-hydroxytrypamine-6, or 5-HT(6)) is a potential therapeutic target given its distribution in brain regions that are important in depression, anxiety, and cognition. This study sought to investigate the effects of age on 5-HT(6) receptor availability using (11)C-GSK215083, a PET ligand with affinity for 5-HT(6) in the striatum and 5-HT(2A) in the cortex. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy male volunteers (age range, 23–52 y) were scanned with (11)C-GSK215083 PET. Time–activity curves in regions of interest were fitted using a multilinear analysis method. Nondisplaceable binding potential (BP(ND)) was calculated using the cerebellum as the reference region and corrected for partial-volume effects. Results: In 5-HT(6)–rich areas, regional (11)C-GSK215083 showed a negative correlation between BP(ND) and age in the caudate (r = −0.41, P = 0.03) (14% change per decade) and putamen (r = −0.30, P = 0.04) (11% change per decade) but not in the ventral striatum or pallidum. A negative correlation with age was also seen in cortical regions (r = −0.41, P = 0.03) (7% change per decade), consistent with the literature on 5-HT(2A) availability. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this was the first in vivo study on humans to examine the effect of age on 5-HT(6) receptor availability. The study demonstrated a significant age-related decline in 5-HT(6) availability (BP(ND)) in the caudate and putamen.

Background Previous imaging studies using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) have shown that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with a decrease in dopamine type 2/3 receptor (D2/3) binding and dopamine transmission. Although binge drinking is a risk factor for future AUD, little is known about the neurobiology of binge drinking in young adults. This study measured D2/3 receptor binding and stimulant-induced dopamine release using PET and [11C]raclopride in binge drinkers without an AUD. Methods This study included 14 healthy controls (HC) and 14 young adult binge drinkers (BD), aged 18-25. The BD met National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) criteria for binge drinking and the HC subjects were social drinkers. The subjects were scanned with [11C]raclopride before and after the administration of oral methylphenidate (60 mg) to measure D2/3 binding and dopamine release. Results There was no significant difference in the PET measures of D2/3 binding or methylphenidate-induced dopamine release between the two groups. There was no significant association between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores or 30-day drinking history and the imaging data. Conclusion In this sample of 18–25-year-old binge drinkers without a diagnosis of a substance use disorder, there were no significant differences in D2/3 receptor binding potential or methylphenidate-induced dopamine release relative to healthy controls.

PURPOSE: Previous studies demonstrated the utility of [(18)F]fluoropropyl-(+)-dihydrotetrabenazine ([(18)F]FP-(+)-DTBZ) as a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for the vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) to quantify beta cell mass in healthy control (HC) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) groups. Quantification of specific binding requires measurement of non-displaceable uptake. Our goal was to identify a reference tissue (renal cortex or spleen) to quantify pancreatic non-specific binding of [(18)F]FP-(+)-DTBZ with the inactive enantiomer, [(18)F]FP-(−)-DTBZ. This was the first human study of [(18)F]FP-(−)-DTBZ. PROCEDURES: Six HCs and four T1DM patients were scanned on separate days after injection of [(18)F]FP-(+)-DTBZ or [(18)F]FP-(−)-DTBZ. Distribution volumes (V(T)) and standardized uptake values (SUVs) were compared between groups. Three methods for calculation of non-displaceable uptake (V(ND)) or reference SUV were applied: (1) use of [(18)F]FP-(+)-DTBZ reference V(T) as V(ND), assuming V(ND) is uniform across organs; (2) use of [(18)F]FP-(−)-DTBZ pancreatic V(T) as V(ND), assuming that V(ND) is uniform between enantiomers in the pancreas; and (3) use of a scaled [(18)F]FP-(+)-DTBZ reference V(T) as V(ND), assuming that a ratio of non-displaceable uptake between organs is uniform between enantiomers. Group differences in V(T) (or SUV), binding potential (BP(ND)), or SUV ratio (SUVR) were estimated using these three methods. RESULTS: [(18)F]FP-(−)-DTBZ V(T) values were different among organs, and V(T)(+) and V(T)(−) were also different in the renal cortex and spleen. Method 3 with the spleen to estimate V(ND) (or reference SUV) gave the highest non-displaceable uptake and the largest HC vs. T1DM group differences. Significant group differences were also observed in V(T) (or SUV) with method 1 using spleen. SUV was affected by differences in the input function between groups and between enantiomers. CONCLUSIONS: Non-displaceable uptake was different among organs and between enantiomers. Use of scaled spleen V(T) values for V(ND) is a suitable method for quantification of VMAT2 in the pancreas.

The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) enzyme converts cortisone to cortisol and participates in the regulation of glucocorticoid levels in tissues. 11β-HSD1 is expressed in the liver, kidney, adipose tissue, placenta, and brain. 11β-HSD1 is a target for treatment of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and also against age-related cognitive function and memory loss. In this study, we evaluated the radiotracer

[(18)F]FPEB is a promising PET radioligand for the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), a potential target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reproducibility of [(18)F]FPEB in the human brain.Seven healthy male subjects were scanned twice, 3 - 11 weeks apart. Dynamic data were acquired using bolus plus infusion of 162 ± 32 MBq [(18)F]FPEB. Four methods were used to estimate volume of distribution (V T): equilibrium analysis (EQ) using arterial (EQA) or venous input data (EQV), MA1, and a two-tissue compartment model (2 T). Binding potential (BP ND) was also estimated using cerebellar white matter (CWM) or gray matter (CGM) as the reference region using EQ, 2 T and MA1. Absolute test-retest variability (aTRV) of V T and BP ND were calculated for each method. Venous blood measurements (C V) were compared with arterial input (C A) to examine their usability in EQ analysis.Regional V T estimated by the four methods displayed a high degree of agreement (r (2) ranging from 0.83 to 0.99 among the methods), although EQA and EQV overestimated V T by a mean of 9 % and 7 %, respectively, compared to 2 T. Mean values of aTRV of V T were 11 % by EQA, 12 % by EQV, 14 % by MA1 and 14 % by 2 T. Regional BP ND also agreed well among the methods and mean aTRV of BP ND was 8 - 12 % (CWM) and 7 - 9 % (CGM). Venous and arterial blood concentrations of [(18)F]FPEB were well matched during equilibrium (C V = 1.01 · C A, r (2) = 0.95).[(18)F]FPEB binding shows good TRV with minor differences among analysis methods. Venous blood can be used as an alternative for input function measurement instead of arterial blood in EQ analysis. Thus, [(18)F]FPEB is an excellent PET imaging tracer for mGluR5 in humans.

243 Objectives The objectives of this study was to identify prevalence of respiratory motion in dynamic PET myocardial perfusion images, its effects on myocardial blood flow (MBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) estimates and to investigate the implications of the weighting model deployed during kinetic fit to minimize effects of motion. Methods This study used 53 randomly selected patients referred for dynamic stress/rest Rb-82 PET imaging. Dynamic image series were iteratively reconstructed. The left ventricular (LV) blood pool and tissue time activity curves (TAC) were sampled using ROI and fit to a compartment model with uniform or tissue weighting for MBF and CFR quantification using Corridor4DM software (INVIA). Tissue weighting incorporated the frame duration, decay correction factor, and activity concentration. Motion was assessed visually from the dynamic series and categorized with having minimal, moderate, or severe motion. Studies with moderate or severe motion were manually corrected for comparison. Results Moderate and severe motion was observed in 46% and 39% of the studies respectively. Motion was most prominent in the blood pool phases with 55% of the motion in the craniocaudal direction. Compared to the motion corrected images, images with moderate motion had global stress MBF values 3.2% higher when uniform weighting was used. Using tissue weighting only reduced those differences by 0.5%. Studies with severe motion had greater stress MBF differences: 5.8% (uniform) and 5.4% (tissue). Regionally stress MBF values in the RCA varied the greatest: 20.2% (uniform) and 19.9% (tissue). Conclusions Respiratory motion is problematic in the blood pool phase due to fast kinetics of the tracer and the short time sampling. Increasing differences in MBF and CFR estimates were observed between studies with minimal, moderate, and severe motion. Tissue weighting has limited impact on reducing the increase in MBF and CFR estimates caused by motion suggesting motion correction is needed to reduce bias in flow estimates.

The myriad physiological functions of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) are mediated by the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex comprising of the GABAA, GABAB, and GABAC groups. The various GABAA subunits with region-specific distributions in the brain subserve different functional and physiological roles. For example, the sedative and anticonvulsive effects of classical benzodiazepines are attributed to the α1 subunit, and the α2 and α3 subunits mediate the anxiolytic effect. To optimize pharmacotherapies with improved efficacy and devoid of undesirable side effects for the treatment of anxiety disorders, subtype-selective imaging radiotracers are required to assess target engagement at GABA sites and determine the dose–receptor occupancy relationships. The goal of this work was to characterize, in nonhuman primates, the in vivo binding profile of a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer, [11C]ADO, which has been indicated to have functional selectivity for the GABAA α2/α3 subunits. High specific activity [11C]ADO was administrated to 3 rhesus monkeys, and PET scans of 120-minute duration were performed on the Focus-220 scanner. In the blood, [11C]ADO metabolized at a fairly rapid rate, with ∼36% of the parent tracer remaining at 30 minutes postinjection. Uptake levels of [11C]ADO in the brain were high (peak standardized uptake value of ∼3.0) and consistent with GABAA distribution, with highest activity levels in cortical areas, intermediate levels in cerebellum and thalamus, and lowest uptake in striatal regions and amygdala. Tissue kinetics was fast, with peak uptake in all brain regions within 20 minutes of tracer injection. The one-tissue compartment model provided good fits to regional time–activity curves and reliable measurement of kinetic parameters. The absolute test–retest variability of regional distribution volumes (V T) was low, ranging from 4.5% to 8.7%. Pretreatment with flumazenil (a subtype nonselective ligand, 0.2 mg/kg, intravenous [IV], n = 1), Ro15-4513 (an α5-selective ligand, 0.03 mg/kg, IV, n = 2), and zolpidem (an α1-selective ligand, 1.7 mg/kg, IV, n = 1) led to blockade of [11C]ADO binding by 96.5%, 52.5%, and 76.5%, respectively, indicating the in vivo binding specificity of the radiotracer. Using the nondisplaceable volume of distribution (V ND) determined from the blocking studies, specific binding signals, as measured by values of regional binding potential (BP ND), ranged from 0.6 to 4.4, which are comparable to those of [11C]flumazenil. In conclusion, [11C]ADO was demonstrated to be a specific radiotracer for the GABAA receptors with several favorable properties: high brain uptake, fast tissue kinetics, and high levels of specific binding in nonhuman primates. However, subtype selectivity in vivo is not obvious for the radiotracer, and thus, the search for subtype-selective GABAA radiotracers continues.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by a loss of β-cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas and subsequent deficient insulin secretion in response to hyperglycemia. Development of an in vivo test to measure β-cell mass (BCM) would greatly enhance the ability to track diabetes therapies. β-cells and neurologic tissues have common cellular receptors and transporters, therefore, we screened brain radioligands for their ability to identify β-cells. Methods: We examined a β-cell gene atlas for endocrine pancreas receptor targets and cross-referenced these targets with brain radioligands that were available at our institution. Twelve healthy control subjects and 2 T1DM subjects underwent dynamic PET/CT scans with 6 tracers. Results: The D2/D3 receptor agonist radioligand 11C-(+)-4-propyl-9-hydroxynaphthoxazine (PHNO) was the only radioligand to demonstrate sustained uptake in the pancreas with high contrast versus abdominal organs such as the kidneys, liver, and spleen, based on the first 30 min of data. Mean SUV from 20 to 30 min demonstrated high uptake of 11C-(+)-PHNO in healthy controls (SUV, 13.8) with a 71% reduction in a T1DM subject with undetectable levels of C-peptide (SUV, 4.0) and a 20% reduction in a T1DM subject with fasting C-peptide level of 0.38 ng/mL (SUV, 11.0). SUV in abdominal organs outside the pancreas did not show measurable differences between the control and T1DM subjects, suggesting that the changes in SUV of 11C-(+)-PHNO may be specific to changes in the pancreas between healthy controls and T1DM subjects. When D3 and D2 antagonists were used in nonhuman primates, specific pancreatic binding (SUVR-1) of 11C-PHNO was reduced by 57% and 38%, respectively. Conclusion: 11C-(+)-PHNO is a potential marker of BCM, with 2:1 binding of D3 receptors over D2 receptors. Further in vitro and in vivo studies to establish D2/D3 receptor specificity to β-cells is warranted to characterize 11C-(+)-PHNO as a candidate for clinical measurement of BCM in healthy control and diabetic subjects.

The lysophosphatidic acid receptor type 1 (LPA1) is 1 of 6 known receptors of the extracellular signaling molecule lysophosphatidic acid. It mediates effects such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In the lung, LPA1 is involved in pathways leading, after lung tissue injury, to pulmonary fibrosis instead of normal healing, by mediating fibroblast recruitment and vascular leakage. Thus, a LPA1 PET radiotracer may be useful for studying lung fibrosis or for developing LPA1-targeting drugs. We developed and evaluated the radiotracer

Guanfacine, a noradrenergic alpha2a agonist, reduced tobacco smoking in a 4-week trial and in animal models has been shown to reduce cortical dopamine release, which is critically involved in the reinforcing effect of tobacco smoking. We measured amphetamine-induced extrastriatal dopamine release before and after treatment with guanfacine with [(11)C]FLB457, a dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor radiotracer, and positron emission tomography (PET). Sixteen tobacco smokers had one set of [(11)C]FLB457 PET scans on the same day, one before and one at 2.5–3 h after amphetamine (0.4–0.5 mg/kg, PO). A subset (n=12) then underwent guanfacine treatment (3 mg/day for 3 weeks) and the set of scans were repeated. [(11)C]FLB457-binding potential (BP(ND)) was measured pre- and post amphetamine in extrastriatal brain regions. The fractional change in BP(ND) after vs before amphetamine (Δ BP(ND)) is an indirect measure of DA release and was compared between the untreated and guanfacine-treated conditions. Guanfacine treatment attenuated amphetamine-induced DA release; however, the change was due to a global 8% decrease in baseline BP(ND) from the untreated to the guanfacine-treated condition. Chronic guanfacine treatment reduced [(11)C]FLB457 BP(ND) in tobacco smokers, suggesting an increase in dopaminergic tone. Guanfacine-induced normalization of dopamine signaling may be an important mesocortical mechanism contributing to its ability to aid in tobacco smoking cessation.

The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is implicated in many neuropsychiatric disorders, making it an important target for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The first aim of this work was to compare two PET radioligands specific to α7 nAChRs, [18F]ASEM (3-(1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonan-4-yl)-6-([18F]fluorodibenzo[b,d]thiophene 5,5-dioxide) and [18F]DBT-10 (7-(1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonan-4-yl)-2-([18F]fluorodibenzo[b,d]thiophene 5,5-dioxide), in nonhuman primates. The second aim was to further assess the quantification and test-retest variability of [18F]ASEM in humans.

11C-LY2795050 is a novel kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist tracer for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The purpose of this first-in-human study was to determine the optimal kinetic model for analysis of 11C-LY2795050 imaging data. Sixteen subjects underwent baseline scans and blocking scans after oral naltrexone. Compartmental modeling and multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) were applied using the arterial input functions. Two-tissue compartment model and MA1 were found to be the best models to provide reliable measures of binding parameters. The rank order of 11C-LY2795050 distribution volume ( VT) matched the known regional KOR densities in the human brain. Blocking scans with naltrexone indicated no ideal reference region for 11C-LY2795050. Three methods for calculation of the nondisplaceable distribution volume ( VND) were assessed: (1) individual VND estimated from naltrexone occupancy plots, (2) mean VND across subjects, and (3) a fixed fraction of cerebellum VT. Approach (3) produced the lowest intersubject variability in the calculation of binding potentials ( BPND, BPF, and BPP). Therefore, binding potentials of 11C-LY2795050 can be determined if the specific binding fraction in the cerebellum is presumed to be unchanged by diseases and experimental conditions. In conclusion, results from the present study show the suitability of 11C-LY2795050 to image and quantify KOR in humans.

Neuroreceptor imaging in the nonhuman primate (NHP) is valuable for translational research approaches in humans. However, most NHP studies are conducted under anesthesia, which affects the interpretability of receptor binding measures. The aims of this study were to develop awake NHP imaging with minimal head restraint and to compare in vivo binding of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA)-benzodiazepine radiotracer (11)C-flumazenil under anesthetized and awake conditions. We hypothesized that (11)C-flumazenil binding potential (BPND) would be higher in isoflurane-anesthetized monkeys.The small animal PET scanner was fitted to a mechanical device that raised and tilted the scanner 45° while the awake NHP was tilted back 35° in a custom chair for optimal brain positioning, which required acclimation of the animals to the chair, touch-screen tasks, intravenous catheter insertion, and tilting. For PET studies, the bolus-plus-constant infusion method was used for (11)C-flumazenil administration. Two rhesus monkeys were scanned under the awake (n = 6 scans) and isoflurane-anesthetized (n = 4 scans) conditions. An infrared camera was used to track head motion during PET scans. Under the awake condition, emission and head motion-tracking data were acquired for 40-75 min after injection. Anesthetized monkeys were scanned for 90 min. Cortisol measurements were acquired during awake and anesthetized scans. Equilibrium analysis was used for both the anesthetized (n = 4) and the awake (n = 5) datasets to compute mean BPND images in NHP template space, using the pons as a reference region. The percentage change per minute in radioactivity concentration was calculated in high- and low-binding regions to assess the quality of equilibrium.The monkeys acclimated to procedures in the NHP chair necessary to perform awake PET imaging. Image quality was comparable between awake and anesthetized conditions. The relationship between awake and anesthetized values was BPND (awake) = 0.94 BPND (anesthetized) + 0.36 (r(2) = 0.95). Cortisol levels were significantly higher under the awake condition (P0.05).We successfully performed awake NHP imaging with minimal head restraint. There was close agreement in (11)C-flumazenil BPND values between awake and anesthetized conditions.

[11C]AFM, or [11C]2-[2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenylthio]-5-fluoromethylphenylamine, is a new positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand with high affinity and selectivity for the serotonin transporter (SERT). The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate kinetic model to quantify [11C]AFM binding in the healthy human brain. Positron emission tomography data and arterial input functions were acquired from 10 subjects. Compartmental modeling and the multilinear analysis-1(MA1) method were tested using the arterial input functions. The one-tissue model showed a lack of fit in low-binding regions, and the two-tissue model failed to estimate parameters reliably. Regional time–activity curves were well described by MA1. The rank order of [11C]AFM binding potential ( BPND) matched well with the known regional SERT densities. For routine use of [11C]AFM, several noninvasive methods for quantification of regional binding were evaluated, including simplified reference tissue models (SRTM and SRTM2), and multilinear reference tissue models (MRTM and MRTM2). The best methods for region of interest (ROI) analysis were MA1, MRTM2, and SRTM2, with fixed population kinetic values ( k′2 or b′) for the reference methods. The MA1 and MRTM2 methods were best for parametric imaging. These results showed that [11C]AFM is a suitable PET radioligand to image and quantify SERT in humans.

Dopamine D2/3 receptor signaling is critical for flexible adaptive behavior; however, it is unclear whether D2, D3, or both receptor subtypes modulate precise signals of feedback and reward history that underlie optimal decision making. Here, PET with the radioligand [11C]-(+)-PHNO was used to quantify individual differences in putative D3 receptor availability in rodents trained on a novel three-choice spatial acquisition and reversal-learning task with probabilistic reinforcement. Binding of [11C]-(+)-PHNO in the midbrain was negatively related to the ability of rats to adapt to changes in rewarded locations, but not to the initial learning. Computational modeling of choice behavior in the reversal phase indicated that [11C]-(+)-PHNO binding in the midbrain was related to the learning rate and sensitivity to positive, but not negative, feedback. Administration of a D3-preferring agonist likewise impaired reversal performance by reducing the learning rate and sensitivity to positive feedback. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for D3 receptors in select aspects of reinforcement learning and suggest that individual variation in midbrain D3 receptors influences flexible behavior. Our combined neuroimaging, behavioral, pharmacological, and computational approach implicates the dopamine D3 receptor in decision-making processes that are altered in psychiatric disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Flexible decision-making behavior is dependent upon dopamine D2/3 signaling in corticostriatal brain regions. However, the role of D3 receptors in adaptive, goal-directed behavior has not been thoroughly investigated. By combining PET imaging with the D3-preferring radioligand [11C]-(+)-PHNO, pharmacology, a novel three-choice probabilistic discrimination and reversal task and computational modeling of behavior in rats, we report that naturally occurring variation in [11C]-(+)-PHNO receptor availability relates to specific aspects of flexible decision making. We confirm these relationships using a D3-preferring agonist, thus identifying a unique role of midbrain D3 receptors in decision-making processes.

Importance Synaptic loss is well established as the major structural correlate of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease (AD). The ability to measure synaptic density in vivo could accelerate the development of disease-modifying treatments for AD. Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A is an essential vesicle membrane protein expressed in virtually all synapses and could serve as a suitable target for synaptic density. Objective To compare hippocampal synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) binding in participants with AD and cognitively normal participants using positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study recruited 10 participants with AD and 11 participants who were cognitively normal between November 2015 and June 2017. We hypothesized a reduction in hippocampal SV2A binding in AD, based on the early degeneration of entorhinal cortical cell projections to the hippocampus (via the perforant path) and hippocampal SV2A reductions that had been observed in postmortem studies. Participants underwent high-resolution PET scanning with ((R)-1-((3-(11C-methyl-11C)pyridin-4-yl)methyl)-4-(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-2-one), a compound more commonly known as11C-UCB-J, for SV2A. They also underwent high-resolution PET scanning with carbon 11–labeled Pittsburgh Compound B (11C-PiB) for β-amyloid, magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive and neurologic evaluation. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes were11C-UCB-J–specific binding (binding potential [BPND]) via PET imaging in brain regions of interest in participants with AD and participants who were cognitively normal. Results Ten participants with AD (5 male and 5 female; mean [SD] age, 72.7 [6.3] years; 10 [100%] β-amyloid positive) were compared with 11 participants who were cognitively normal (5 male and 6 female; mean [SD] age, 72.9 [8.7] years; 11 [100%] β-amyloid negative). Participants with AD spanned the disease stages from amnestic mild cognitive impairment (n = 5) to mild dementia (n = 5). Participants with AD had significant reduction in hippocampal SV2A specific binding (41%) compared with cognitively normal participants, as assessed by11C-UCB-J–PETBPND(cognitively normal participants: mean [SD]BPND, 1.47 [0.37]; participants with AD: 0.87 [0.50];P = .005). These reductions remained significant after correction for atrophy (ie, partial volume correction; participants who were cognitively normal: mean [SD], 2.71 [0.46]; participants with AD: 2.15 [0.55];P = .02). Hippocampal SV2A-specific bindingBPNDwas correlated with a composite episodic memory score in the overall sample (R = 0.56;P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate synaptic density in vivo in AD using11C-UCB-J–PET imaging. This approach may provide a direct measure of synaptic density, and it therefore holds promise as an in vivo biomarker for AD and as an outcome measure for trials of disease-modifying therapies, particularly those targeted at the preservation and restoration of synapses.

The role of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in cocaine dependence has never been demonstrated via in vivo imaging due to the lack of suitable NET radioligands. Here we report our preliminary studies evaluting the NET in individuals with cocaine dependence (COC) in comparison to healthy controls (HC) using (S,S)-[(11)C]methylreboxetine ([(11)C]MRB), the most promising C-11 labeled positron-emission tomography (PET) radioligand for NET developed to date.Twenty two human volunteers (10 COC and 12 HC) underwent dynamic (11)C-MRB-PET acquisition using a High Resolution Research Tomograph (HRRT). Binding potential (BP(ND)) parametric images were computed using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM2) with occipital cortex as reference region. BP(ND) values were compared between the two groups.Locus coeruleus (LC), hypothalamus, and pulvinar showed a significant inverse correlation with age among HC (age range = 25-54 years; P = 0.04, 0.009, 0.03 respectively). The BP(ND) was significantly increased in thalamus (27%; P0.02) and dorsomedial thalamic nuclei (30%; P0.03) in COC as compared to HC. Upon age normalization, the upregulation of NET in COC also reached significance in LC (63%, P0.01) and pulvinar (55%, P0.02) regions.Our results suggest that (a) brain NET concentration declines with age in HC, and (b) there is a significant upregulation of NET in thalamus and dorsomedial thalamic nucleus in COC as compared to HC. Our results also suggest that the use of [(11)C]MRB and HRRT provides an effective strategy for studying alterations of the NET system in humans.

Background Previous work in healthy non-human primates and humans has shown that social status correlates positively with dopamine 2/3 receptor (D 2/3 R) availability imaged with antagonist radioligands and positron emission tomography (PET). Further work in non-human primates suggests that this relationship is disrupted by chronic cocaine administration. This exploratory study examined the relationship between social status and D 2/3 R availability in healthy (HH) and cocaine dependent (CD) humans using the D 3 -preferring, agonist radioligand, [ 11 C](+)PHNO. Methods Sixteen HH and sixteen CD individuals completed the Barratt Simplified Measure of Social Status (BSMSS) and underwent [ 11 C](+)PHNO scanning to measure regional brain D 2/3 R binding potentials ( BP ND ). Correlations between BP ND and BSMSS scores were then assessed within each group. Results Within HH and CD groups, inverse associations between BSMSS score and BP ND were observed in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) and the ventral striatum, and for the CD group alone, the amygdala. After adjusting for body mass index and age, negative correlations remained significant in the SN/VTA for HH and in the amygdala for CD subjects. Conclusion These preliminary data utilizing a dopamine agonist tracer demonstrate, for the first time, an inverse association between social status and D 2/3 R availability in the D 3 R rich extrastriatal regions of HH and CD humans.

Positron emission tomography (PET) radioligands specific to α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) afford in vivo imaging of this receptor for neuropathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. This work aims to characterize the kinetic properties of an α7-nAChR-specific radioligand, 7-(1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonan-4-yl)-2-[18F]-fluorodibenzo[b,d]thiophene 5,5-dioxide ([18F]DBT-10), in nonhuman primates. [18F]DBT-10 was produced via nucleophilic substitution of the nitro-precursor. Four Macaca mulatta subjects were imaged with [18F]DBT-10 PET, with measurement of [18F]DBT-10 parent concentrations and metabolism in arterial plasma. Baseline PET scans were acquired for all subjects. Following one scan, ex vivo analysis of brain tissue was performed to inspect for radiolabeled metabolites in brain. Three blocking scans with 0.69 and 1.24 mg/kg of the α7-nAChR-specific ligand ASEM were also acquired to assess dose-dependent blockade of [18F]DBT-10 binding. Kinetic analysis of PET data was performed using the metabolite-corrected input function to calculate the parent fraction corrected total distribution volume (V T/f P). [18F]DBT-10 was produced within 90 min at high specific activities of 428 ± 436 GBq/μmol at end of synthesis. Metabolism of [18F]DBT-10 varied across subjects, stabilizing by 120 min post-injection at parent fractions of 15–55 %. Uptake of [18F]DBT-10 in brain occurred rapidly, reaching peak standardized uptake values (SUVs) of 2.9–3.7 within 30 min. The plasma-free fraction was 18.8 ± 3.4 %. No evidence for radiolabeled [18F]DBT-10 metabolites was found in ex vivo brain tissue samples. Kinetic analysis of PET data was best described by the two-tissue compartment model. Estimated V T/f P values were 193–376 ml/cm3 across regions, with regional rank order of thalamus > frontal cortex > striatum > hippocampus > occipital cortex > cerebellum > pons. Dose-dependent blockade of [18F]DBT-10 binding by structural analog ASEM was observed throughout the brain, and occupancy plots yielded a V ND/f P estimate of 20 ± 16 ml/cm3. These results demonstrate suitable kinetic properties of [18F]DBT-10 for in vivo quantification of α7-nAChR binding in nonhuman primates.

Introduction The PET radiotracer [18F]FMISO has been used in the clinic to image hypoxia in tumors. The aim of the present study was to optimize the radiochemical parameters for the preparation of [18F]FMISO using a microfluidic reaction system. The main parameters evaluated were (1) precursor concentration, (2) reaction temperature, and (3) flow rate through the microfluidic reactor. Optimized conditions were then applied to the batch production of [18F]FMISO for clinical research use. Methods For the determination of optimal reaction conditions within a flow-through microreactor synthesizer, 5–400 μL the precursor and dried [18F]fluoride solutions in acetonitrile were simultaneously pushed through the temperature-controlled reactor (60–180 °C) with defined flow rates (20–120 μL/min). Radiochemical incorporation yields to form the intermediate species were determined using radio-TLC. Hydrolysis to remove the protecting group was performed following standard vial chemistry to afford [18F]FMISO. Results Optimum reaction parameters for the microfluidic set-up were determined as follows: 4 mg/mL of precursor, 170 °C, and 100 μL/min pump rate per reactant (200 μL/min reaction overall flow rate) to prepare the radiolabeled intermediate. The optimum hydrolysis condition was determined to be 2 N HCl for 5 min at 100 °C. Large-scale batch production using the optimized conditions gave the final, ready for human injection [18F]FMISO product in 28.4 ± 3.0% radiochemical yield, specific activity of 119 ± 26 GBq/μmol, and > 99% radiochemical and chemical purity at the end of synthesis (n = 4). Conclusion By using the NanoTek microfluidic synthesis system, [18F]FMISO was successfully prepared with good specific activity and high radiochemical purity for human use. The product generated from large-scale batch production using flow chemistry is currently being used in clinical research.

The Radiotracer [11C]OMAR was developed for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1R). The objectives of the present study were to evaluate kinetic analysis methods, determine test–retest reliability, and assess gender differences in receptor availability. Dynamic PET data were acquired in 10 human subjects, and analyzed with one-tissue (1T) and two-tissue (2T) compartment models and by the Logan and multilinear analysis (MA1) methods to estimate regional volume of distribution ( VT). The 2T model inclusive of a vascular component (2TV) and MA1 were the preferred techniques. Test–retest reliability of VT was good (mean absolute deviation ~ 9%; intraclass correlation coefficient ~ 0.7). Tracer parent fraction in plasma was lower in women ( P < 0.0001). Cerebral uptake normalized by body weight and injected dose was higher in men by 17% ( P < 0.0001), but VT was significantly greater in women by 23% ( P < 0.0001). These findings show that [11C]OMAR binding can be reliably quantified by the 2T model or MA1 method and demonstrate the utility of this tracer for in vivo imaging of CB1R. In addition, results from the present study indicate that gender difference in receptor binding should be taken into consideration when [11C]OMAR is used to quantify CB1R availability in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Importance Exposure to trauma increases the risk for developing threat (ie, fear) symptoms, such as reexperiencing and hyperarousal symptoms, and loss (ie, dysphoria) symptoms, such as emotional numbing and depressive symptoms. While preclinical data have implicated the activated dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor (KOR) system in relation to these symptoms, the role of the KOR system in mediating these phenotypes in humans is unknown. Elucidation of molecular targets implicated in threat and loss symptoms is important because it can help inform the development of novel, mechanism-based treatments for trauma-related psychopathology. Objective To use the newly developed [11C]LY2795050 radiotracer and high-resolution positron emission tomography to evaluate the relation between in vivo KOR availability in an amygdala–anterior cingulate cortex–ventral striatal neural circuit and the severity of threat and loss symptoms. We additionally evaluated the role of 24-hour urinary cortisol levels in mediating this association. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional positron emission tomography study under resting conditions was conducted at an academic medical center. Thirty-five individuals representing a broad transdiagnostic and dimensional spectrum of trauma-related psychopathology, ranging from nontrauma-exposed psychiatrically healthy adults to trauma-exposed adults with severe trauma-related psychopathology (ie, posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and/or generalized anxiety disorder). Main Outcomes and Measures [11C]LY2795050 volume of distribution values in amygdala–anterior cingulate cortex–ventral striatal neural circuit; composite measures of threat (ie, reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms) and loss (ie, emotional numbing, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms) symptoms as assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety; and 24-hour urinary cortisol levels. Results [11C]LY2795050 volume of distribution values in an amygdala–anterior cingulate cortex–ventral striatal neural circuit were negatively associated with severity of loss (r = −0.39; 95% CI, −0.08 to −0.66), but not threat (r = −0.03; 95% CI, −0.30 to 0.27), symptoms; this association was most pronounced for dysphoria symptoms (r = −0.45; 95% CI, −0.10 to −0.70). Path analysis revealed that lower [11C]LY2795050 volume of distribution values in this circuit was directly associated with greater severity of loss symptoms and indirectly mediated by 24-hour urinary cortisol levels. Conclusions and Relevance Results of this study suggest that KOR availability in an amygdala–anterior cingulate cortex–ventral striatal neural circuit mediates the phenotypic expression of trauma-related loss (ie, dysphoria) symptoms. They further suggest that an activated corticotropin-releasing factor/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis system, as assessed by 24-hour urinary cortisol levels, may indirectly mediate this association. These results may help inform the development of more targeted, mechanism-based transdiagnostic treatments for loss (ie, dysphoric) symptoms.

The κ-opioid receptors (KORs) are implicated in several neuropsychiatric diseases and addictive disorders. PET with radioligands provides a means to image the KOR in vivo and investigate its function in health and disease. The purpose of this study was to develop the selective KOR antagonist 11C-LY2459989 as a PET radioligand and characterize its imaging performance in nonhuman primates. Methods: LY2459989 was synthesized and assayed for in vitro binding to opioid receptors. Ex vivo studies in rodents were conducted to assess its potential as a tracer candidate. 11C-LY2459989 was synthesized by reaction of its iodophenyl precursor with 11C-cyanide, followed by partial hydrolysis of the resulting 11C-cyanophenyl intermediate. Imaging experiments with 11C-LY2459989 were performed in rhesus monkeys with arterial input function measurement. Imaging data were analyzed with kinetic models to derive in vivo binding parameters. Results: LY2459989 is a full antagonist with high binding affinity and selectivity for KOR (0.18, 7.68, and 91.3 nM, respectively, for κ, μ, and δ receptors). Ex vivo studies in rats indicated LY2459989 as an appropriate tracer candidate with high specific binding signals and confirmed its KOR binding selectivity in vivo. 11C-LY2459989 was synthesized in high radiochemical purity and good specific activity. In rhesus monkeys, 11C-LY2459989 displayed a fast rate of peripheral metabolism. Similarly, 11C-LY2459989 displayed fast uptake kinetics in the brain and an uptake pattern consistent with the distribution of KOR in primates. Pretreatment with naloxone (1 mg/kg, intravenously) resulted in a uniform distribution of radioactivity in the brain. Further, specific binding of 11C-LY2459989 was dose-dependently reduced by the selective KOR antagonist LY2456302 and the unlabeled LY2459989. Regional binding potential values derived from the multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) method, as a measure of in vivo specific binding signal, were 2.18, 1.39, 1.08, 1.04, 1.03, 0.59, 0.51, and 0.50, respectively, for the globus pallidus, cingulate cortex, insula, caudate, putamen, frontal cortex, temporal cortex, and thalamus. Conclusion: The novel PET radioligand 11C-LY2459989 displayed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, a specific and KOR-selective binding profile, and high specific binding signals in vivo, thus making it a promising PET imaging agent for KOR.

Endocannabinoids and their attending cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) have been implicated in animal models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, their specific role has not been studied in people with PTSD. Herein, we present an in vivo imaging study using positron emission tomography (PET) and the CB1-selective radioligand [11C]OMAR in individuals with PTSD, and healthy controls with lifetime histories of trauma (trauma controls [TC]) and those without such histories (healthy controls [HC]). Untreated individuals with PTSD (N=25) with non-combat trauma histories, and TC (N=12) and HC (N=23) participated in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scan and a resting PET scan with the CB1 receptor antagonist radiotracer [11C]OMAR, which measures volume of distribution (VT) linearly related to CB1 receptor availability. Peripheral levels of anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and cortisol were also assessed. In the PTSD group, relative to the HC and TC groups, we found elevated brain-wide [11C]OMAR VT values (F(2,53)=7.96, p=.001; 19.5% and 14.5% higher, respectively) which were most pronounced in women (F(1,53)=5.52, p=.023). Anandamide concentrations were reduced in the PTSD relative to the TC (53.1% lower) and HC (58.2% lower) groups. Cortisol levels were lower in the PTSD and TC groups relative to the HC group. Three biomarkers examined collectively—OMAR VT, anandamide, and cortisol—correctly classified nearly 85% of PTSD cases. These results suggest that abnormal CB1 receptor-mediated anandamide signaling is implicated in the etiology of PTSD, and provide a promising neurobiological model to develop novel, evidence-based pharmacotherapies for this disorder.

Objectives. Although serotonergic mechanisms have been implicated in pathological gambling (PG), no ligand-based imaging studies have assessed serotonin receptors in individuals with PG. Given its role in substance addictions and its abundance in brain regions implicated in PG, we evaluated serotonin 1B receptors (5-HT 1B Rs) in PG. Methods. Ten medication-free subjects with PG (meanSD age � 36.3 � 9.4 years, nine men) and ten control comparison (CC) subjects (meanSD age � 35.8 � 9.9 years, nine men) underwent ( 11 C)P943 positron emission scanning on a high resolution research tomograph. Results. 5-HT 1B R BP ND values were similar in PG and CC subjects ( P � 0.1). Among PG subjects, scores on the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) correlated positively with 5-HT 1B R BP ND values in the ventral striatum ( r � 0.66; P � 0.04), putamen ( r � 0.67; P � 0.03) and anterior cingulate cortex ( r � 0.73; P � 0.02). Conclusions. These fi ndings provide the fi rst evidence that PG severity in humans is linked to increased levels of 5-HT 1B Rs in regions previously implicated in functional neuroimaging studies of PG. These fi ndings indicate a potential role for serotonergic function in the ventral striatum and anterior cingulate cortex contributing to problem gambling severity and warrant further studies to investigate whether numbers of available 5-HT 1B Rs might represent a vulnerability factor for PG or develop in relationship to problem gambling.