Quantitative Analysis of Dopamine D2 Receptor Kinetics with Small Animal Positron Emission Tomography

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the quantitative analysis of dopamine D2 receptor kinetics with small animal positron emission tomography (PET). Small animal PET has been employed increasingly for the investigation of dopamine D2 receptor binding in animal models of reinforcement, senescence, and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Model-based in vivo methods generally proceed from the notion of compartment that is a physiological or biochemical space characterized by homogeneous tracer concentrations. In vitro radioligand-binding assays can be conceived as two-compartment systems with both compartments localized in the same test tube and representing the ligand-containing buffer solution and the receptor-containing tissue samples respectively. It is found that due to the low D2 receptor concentration and the lack of anatomical landmarks, it is difficult to delineate cerebellar region of interest in a reproducible manner. It is suggested that PET investigations, however, should lie a sufficient time apart to account for radioactive decay and to permit recovery from aftereffects of anesthesia and surgery.