Positron emission tomography (PET) neurochemistry: where are we now and where are we going?

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511550072.010

9 - Positron emission tomography (PET) neurochemistry: where are we now and where are we going?

from Part VI - Imaging the normal and abnormal mind

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 January 2010

P M Grasby

Edited by

Maria A. Ron and

Trevor W. Robbins

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P M Grasby: Affiliation:
Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
Maria A. Ron: Affiliation:
Institute of Neurology, London
Trevor W. Robbins: Affiliation:
University of Cambridge

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Summary

Introduction

A basic neuroscientist reading about ‘brain functional mapping’ might be forgiven for thinking all PET-based (positron emission tomography) investigations of brain function have been superseded by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Nothing could be further from the truth. Certainly, in many circumstances fMRI is replacing PET for imaging regional cerebral blood-flow changes induced by cognitive tasks – the basis of brain functional mapping paradigms where blood flow is used to index neuronal activation (Raichle 1987). However, brain PET is first and foremost a technique for imaging neurochemistry in the living brain (Pike 1993; Grasby et al. 1996; Grasby 2000). As such it is unrivalled in the potential diversity of imageable neurochemical targets and the sensitivity of detection. Neurochemical targets can be measured at very low concentrations with PET; thus many central nervous system (CNS) receptor systems, typically at concentrations of nmoles/g or pmoles/g tissue, can be investigated.

PET methodology and application to psychiatry

PET is a technologically and financially demanding tool, which has restricted its widespread application in the UK, although there are estimated to be over 250 PET centres worldwide. Briefly, a successful PET programme requires a flexible medical cyclotron to produce short-lived radioisotopes, particularly 11C, 18F and 15O. In addition, an adequate automated radiochemistry resource is necessary to incorporate these short-lived radioisotopes into molecules of biological interest that can be injected into humans at subpharmacological ‘tracer’ doses (typically microgram amounts). These positron-emitting radiotracers are typically high-affinity, selective antagonists for receptors or substrates for specific enzymes.

Type: Chapter
Information: Disorders of Brain and Mind , pp. 181 - 194

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511550072.010 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2003

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