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PET visualization of microglia in multiple sclerosis patients using [ 11 C]PK11195
Author(s) -
Debruyne J. C.,
Versijpt J.,
Van Laere K. J.,
De Vos F.,
Keppens J.,
Strijckmans K.,
Achten E.,
Slegers G.,
Dierckx R. A.,
Korf J.,
De Reuck J. L.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2003.00571.x
Subject(s) - medicine , microglia , white matter , multiple sclerosis , magnetic resonance imaging , grey matter , pathology , positron emission tomography , nuclear medicine , inflammation , radiology , immunology
Activated microglia are involved in the immune response of multiple sclerosis (MS). The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is expressed on microglia and up‐regulated after neuronal injury. [ 11 C]PK11195 is a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for the PBR. The objective of the present study was to investigate [ 11 C]PK11195 imaging in MS patients and its additional value over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) concerning the immuno‐pathophysiological process. Seven healthy and 22 MS subjects were included. Semiquantitative [ 11 C]PK11195 uptake values were assessed with normalization on cortical grey matter. Uptake in Gadolinium‐lesions was significantly increased compared with normal white matter. Uptake in T2‐lesions was generally decreased, suggesting a PBR down‐regulation. However, uptake values increased whenever a clinical or MR‐relapse was present, suggestive for a dynamic process with a transient PBR up‐regulation. During disease progression, an increase of normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) uptake was found, propagating NAWM as the possible real burden of disease. In conclusion, [ 11 C]PK11195 and PET are able to demonstrate inflammatory processes with microglial involvement in MS.