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PET Imaging of Neuroinflammation Using [11C]DPA-713 in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke
Published on: June 14, 2018
Evolution of microglial activation in patients after ischemic stroke: a [11C](R)-PK11195 PET study
Alexander Gerhard1, Johannes Schwarz, Ralph Myers
1MRC Clinical Sciences Centre and Department of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK. alexander.gerhard@csc.mrc.ac.uk
Abstract:
We obtained [11C](R)-PK11195 PET scans in six patients at different time points between 3 and 150 days after onset of ischemic stroke in order to measure the time course of microglial activation. Increased [11C](R)-PK11195 binding around the lesion was observed as early as 3 days. Scans at later time points showed ongoing changes in the distribution of the [11C](R)-PK11195 signal, involving the area of the primary lesion and areas distant from the primary lesion site. Our data suggest that [11C](R)-PK11195 PET can be used to investigate both the primary lesion and remote pathological changes following Wallerian degeneration.
Insights
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans using [11C](R)-PK11195 reveal microglial activation in ischemic stroke patients. This imaging technique tracks changes in the brain from 3 to 150 days post-stroke, showing both primary lesion and remote effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroinflammation
- Stroke Research
Background:
- Ischemic stroke triggers neuroinflammatory responses involving microglial activation.
- Assessing the temporal dynamics of microglial activation is crucial for understanding stroke pathophysiology.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) offers a non-invasive method to visualize in vivo biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the time course of microglial activation following ischemic stroke using [11C](R)-PK11195 PET.
- To evaluate the utility of [11C](R)-PK11195 PET in assessing both primary lesion and remote pathological changes.
Main Methods:
- Six patients with ischemic stroke underwent [11C](R)-PK11195 PET scans at multiple time points (3-150 days post-onset).
- Analysis focused on [11C](R)-PK11195 binding patterns around the primary lesion and in distant brain areas.
- Quantification of tracer uptake to assess microglial activation levels over time.
Main Results:
- Elevated [11C](R)-PK11195 binding, indicative of microglial activation, was detected as early as 3 days after stroke onset.
- PET scans revealed dynamic changes in tracer distribution over the 150-day observation period.
- Signal alterations were observed not only within the primary lesion but also in remote brain regions, suggesting widespread pathological involvement.
Conclusions:
- [11C](R)-PK11195 PET is a valuable tool for monitoring microglial activation dynamics after ischemic stroke.
- The technique can identify pathological changes within the primary lesion and in areas affected by Wallerian degeneration.
- This imaging approach aids in understanding the long-term inflammatory consequences of stroke.
