Positron emission tomography in schizophrenia: a new perspective.
PET is an important functional imaging technique that can be used to investigate neurotransmitter receptors and transporters directly by mapping human brain function. PET is increasingly being used greatly to advance our understanding of the neurobiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia.


METHODS
This review focuses on the use of PET tracers and kinetic modeling in identifying regional brain abnormalities and regions associated with cognitive functioning in schizophrenia. A variety of PET tracers have been used to identify brain abnormalities, including (11)C, (15)O-water, (18)F-fallypride, and L-3,4-dihydroxy-6-(18)F-fluorophenylalanine ((18)F-FDOPA).


RESULTS
Some studies have used compartmental modeling to determine tracer binding kinetics. The most consistent findings show a difference in the dopamine content in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and hippocampus between healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia. Studies also show a higher density of D(2) receptors in the striatum and neural brain dysconnectivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Future investigations integrating clinical, imaging, genetic, and cognitive aspects are warranted to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disorder.
Patel
Neva H
NH
Radiological Sciences Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom. Neva.Patel@imperial.nhs.uk
Vyas
Nora S
NS
Puri
Basant K
BK
Nijran
Kuldip S
KS
Al-Nahhas
Adil
A
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed