Imaging dopamine release with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and 11C-raclopride in freely moving animals

摘要: Abstract We investigated an imaging strategy that provides simultaneous measurements of radiotracer binding and behavior in awake, freely moving animals. In this strategy, animals are injected intravenously (i.v.) through a catheterized line permitted to move for 30 min during uptake the agent, case 11 C-raclopride. After Awake Uptake period, anesthetized scanned 25 min. tested utility measuring changes striatal C-raclopride under control conditions (awake home cage) with several drug challenges: loading dose unlabeled raclopride, pretreatment methamphetamine (METH) or γ-vinyl-GABA [S(+)-GVG] followed by METH. An additional group underwent stress paradigm we have previously shown increases brain dopamine. For challenge experiments, change was compared data from were period (“Anesthetized Uptake”) full time activity curves used calculate binding. Regardless treatment protocol, there no difference striatum cerebellum ratio between versus Anesthetized conditions. groups demonstrated over 90% occupancy dopamine receptors cold both ~ 30% reduction METH effect modulated same degree GVG Restraint decreased 29%. These studies support unique molecular which occurs animals, after they scanned. This extends applicability small animal PET include functional neurotransmitter neurochemical correlates behavioral tasks.