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Estimating Endogenous Dopamine Levels at D2 and D3 Receptors in Humans using the Agonist Radiotracer [11C]-(+)-PHNO.

Authors :
Caravaggio, Fernando
Nakajima, Shinichiro
Borlido, Carol
Remington, Gary
Gerretsen, Philip
Wilson, Alan
Houle, Sylvain
Menon, Mahesh
Mamo, David
Graff-Guerrero, Ariel
Source :
Neuropsychopharmacology; Nov2014, Vol. 39 Issue 12, p2769-2776, 8p, 2 Charts, 3 Graphs
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Using positron emission tomography (PET) and an acute dopamine depletion challenge it is possible to estimate endogenous dopamine levels occupying dopamine D<subscript>2/3</subscript> receptors (D<subscript>2/3</subscript>R) in humans in vivo. Our group has developed [<superscript>11</superscript>C]-(+)-PHNO, the first agonist radiotracer with preferential in vivo affinity for D<subscript>3</subscript>R. Thus, the use of [<superscript>11</superscript>C]-(+)-PHNO offers the novel possibility of (i) estimating in vivo endogenous dopamine levels at D<subscript>2/3</subscript>R using an agonist radiotracer, and (ii) estimating endogenous dopamine levels at D<subscript>3</subscript>R in extrastriatal regions such as the substantia nigra, hypothalamus, and ventral pallidum. Ten healthy participants underwent a [<superscript>11</superscript>C]-(+)-PHNO PET scan under baseline conditions and another under acute endogenous dopamine depletion achieved via oral administration of alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (64 mg/kg). [<superscript>11</superscript>C]-(+)-PHNO binding was sensitive to acute dopamine depletion, allowing in vivo estimates of endogenous dopamine in D<subscript>2</subscript>R-rich regions (caudate and putamen), mixed D<subscript>2/3</subscript>R-rich regions (ventral striatum and globus pallidus), and extrastriatal D<subscript>3</subscript>R-rich regions (hypothalamus and ventral pallidum). Dopamine depletion decreased self-reported vigor, which was correlated with the reduction in dopamine levels in the globus pallidus. [<superscript>11</superscript>C]-(+)-PHNO is a suitable radiotracer for use in estimating endogenous dopamine levels at D<subscript>2</subscript>R and D<subscript>3</subscript>R in neuropsychiatric populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0893133X
Volume :
39
Issue :
12
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Neuropsychopharmacology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
100954245
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2014.125