Neurochemical imaging of dementias

Semin Nucl Med. 2004 Jan;34(1):70-82. doi: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2003.09.008.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Dementia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dementia / metabolism*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neurons / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Radioisotopes / pharmacokinetics*
  • Receptors, GABA-A / metabolism
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / metabolism*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed / methods

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Radioisotopes
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Acetylcholine
  • Dopamine