Feasibility of imaging synaptic density in the human spinal cord using [¹¹C]UCB-J PET.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Neuronal damage and synapse loss in the spinal cord (SC) have been implicated in spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurodegenerative disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Current standards of diagnosis for SCI include CT or MRI imaging to evaluate injury severity. The current study explores the use of PET imaging with [¹¹C]UCB-J, which targets the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), in the human spinal cord, as a way to visualize synaptic density and integrity in vivo.

Results

First, simulations of baseline and blocking [¹¹C]UCB-J HRRT scans were performed, based on SC dimensions and SV2A distribution to predict V_T, V_ND, and V_S values. Next, human baseline and blocking [¹¹C]UCB-J HRRT image

SUBMITTER: Rossano S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9065222 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature