Neurochemical imaging of dementias.
Neurochemical imaging is one of the most established "molecular" imaging techniques. There have been tremendous efforts expended to develop radioligands specific to each neurochemical system. Investigational applications of neurochemical imaging in dementing disorders are extensive. Cholinergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems, as well as benzodiazepine receptors, opioid receptors, and glutamatergic receptors have been imaged in Alzheimer disease and other dementing disorders. These investigations have provided important insights into disease processes in living human patients. The clinical diagnostic use of neurochemical imaging for dementing disorders is currently limited, but this technique is used to help develop therapeutic drugs at multiple levels.
Minoshima
Satoshi
S
Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-6004, USA.
Frey
Kirk A
KA
Cross
Donna J
DJ
Kuhl
David E
DE
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D003704:Dementia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000378:metabolism; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed / Q000379:methods
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011868:Radioisotopes; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D000109:Acetylcholine; D004298:Dopamine