Biogenic Transporters and Receptors

In addition to studying brain metabolism, PET imaging can be used to study the distribution of receptors or transporters within the brain. We have developed tracers for the Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine transporters. These proteins clear the monoamines from the synaptic cleft and have been linked to a variety or psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we have sucessfully utilized radioactively labeled F18-Fallypride to image the distribution of Dopamine (D2 - subtype) receptors. The images below show the distribution of the Dopamine transporter (DAT) in monkey brain using 18F-2ß-Carbomethoxy-3ß-(4-chlorophenyl)-8-(2-fluoroethyl)nortropane (18F-FECNT).

The images below show the distribution of the Serotonin transporter (SERT) in monkey brain using 2beta-Carbo(2-fluoroethoxy)-3meta-(4'-((Z)-2-iodoethenyl)phenyl)nortropane (ßFEMZIENT).

The images below show the distribution of the Dopamine D2 receptor in monkey brain using 18F labeled Raclopride.