Search

In-vivo quantification of serotonin transporters (SERT) in human brain has been a mainstay of molecular imaging in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders and helped to explore the underpinnings of several medical conditions, therapeutic and environmental influences. The emergence of PET/MR hybrid systems and the heterogeneity of SERT binding call for the development of efficient methods making the investigation of larger or vulnerable populations with limited scanner time and simultaneous changes in molecular and functional measures possible. We propose [[A KWe have optimized the equilibrium method with [

The aim of the present study was the evaluation and automation of the radiosynthesis of [11C]harmine for clinical trials. The following parameters have been investigated: amount of base, precursor concentration, solvent, reaction temperature and time. The optimum reaction conditions were determined to be 2–3 mg/mL precursor activated with 1 eq. 5 M NaOH in DMSO, 80 °C reaction temperature and 2 min reaction time. Under these conditions 6.1±1 GBq (51.0±11% based on [11C]CH3I, corrected for decay) of [11C]harmine (n=72) were obtained. The specific activity was 101.32±28.2 GBq/µmol (at EOS). All quality control parameters were in accordance with the standards for parenteral human application. Due to its reliability and high yields, this fully-automated synthesis method can be used as routine set-up., Highlights • Preparation of [11C]harmine on a commercially available synthesizer for the routine application. • High reliability: only 4 out of 72 failed syntheses; 5% due to technical problems. • High yields: 6.1±1 GBq overall yield (EOS). • High specific activities: 101.32±28.2 GBq/µmol.