title: Quantitative Molecular Imaging of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Human Brain with A-85380 Radiotracers.
abstract: Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in a spectrum of cognitive functions as well as psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including tobacco addiction and Alzheimer's Disease. The examination of neuronal nAChRs in living humans is a relatively new field. Researchers have developed brain-imaging radiotracers for nAChRs, with radiolabeled A-85380 compounds having the most widespread use. We provide a brief background on nAChRs, followed by a discussion of the development and application of A-85380 radiotracers in human imaging studies. We describe potential future studies using nicotinic receptor radioligands for the study of tobacco addiction, including the mechanism of action of the smoking-cessation therapy varenicline. Throughout this review, we focus on the significant potential that resides in the identification and quantification of nAChRs in the living human brain.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors: Shahrdad
authors: S
authors: Lotfipour
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Mandelkern
authors: Arthur L
authors: AL
authors: Brody