The relationship between flutriciclamide PET uptake and grey matter atrophy in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundMicroglial activation plays a significant role in neuroinflammation in the neurodegenerative process. Microglial activation is characterised by the over‐expression of a mitochondrial protein (TSPO), that can be targeted by PET Tracers. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between [18F]GE180 PET uptake and grey matter atrophy.MethodIn this PET study, we evaluated microglial activation in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using the novel TSPO ligand flutriciclamide ([18F]GE180). Forty‐eight participants have been assesed with [18F]GE180 PET using arterial input. Spectral analysis was used to generate parametric maps of the impulse response function at 90 minutes. Additionally, hippocampal volume analysis was performed on structural magnetic resonance images (MRIs).ResultIn a group‐wise analysis a significant reduction in hippocampal volume was found between the AD and healthy controls cohorts. Hippocampal volume significantly negatively correlated with the IRF90 in the temporal lobe and occipital lobes as well as and composite region in AD patients compared to healthy controls.ConclusionIn this [18F]GE180 PET imaging study in AD/MCI cohort, we have demonstrated that there is hippocampal atrophy when [18F]GE180 PET goes up in AD patients. The results indicate that regional [18F]GE180 PET uptake has a close association with neurodegeneration of key memories processing centre.