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Published on: August 15, 2017
NMDA receptor binding in focal epilepsies
C J McGinnity1, M J Koepp2, A Hammers3
1Division of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, London, UK Division of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
Positron emission tomography (PET) with [(18)F]GE-179 revealed increased N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor availability in focal epilepsy patients. Antidepressant use was associated with reduced NMDA receptor availability, suggesting a potential therapeutic mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is associated with altered neurotransmission.
- N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are implicated in epilepsy pathophysiology.
- NMDA receptor availability can be assessed using positron emission tomography (PET).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate NMDA receptor availability in patients with focal epilepsies.
- To utilize [(18)F]GE-179, a novel PET ligand for the NMDA receptor ion channel.
- To explore the influence of antidepressant medication on NMDA receptor availability.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 11 patients with focal epilepsies and 10 healthy controls.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans using [(18)F]GE-179 to measure NMDA receptor availability (volume-of-distribution, VT).
- Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was used for image analysis and group comparisons.
Main Results:
- Globally increased [(18)F]GE-179 VT (NMDA receptor availability) was observed in epilepsy patients compared to controls (+28%).
- Patients taking antidepressant drugs showed globally reduced [(18)F]GE-179 VT (-29%) compared to controls.
- Focal increases in NMDA receptor availability were detected in 4 out of 11 patients.
Conclusions:
- Focal epilepsy is associated with increased global NMDA receptor availability.
- Antidepressant medication may reduce NMDA receptor availability, potentially explaining their therapeutic effects.
- [(18)F]GE-179 PET can identify altered NMDA receptor availability in focal epilepsy.
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