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Published on: September 10, 2021
[18F]FDG PET signal is driven by astroglial glutamate transport
Eduardo R Zimmer1,2, Maxime J Parent1, Débora G Souza2,3
1Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory (TNL), McGill Center for Studies in Aging (MCSA), Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Abstract:
Contributions of glial cells to neuroenergetics have been the focus of extensive debate. Here we provide positron emission tomography evidence that activation of astrocytic glutamate transport via the excitatory amino acid transporter GLT-1 triggers widespread but graded glucose uptake in the rodent brain. Our results highlight the need for a reevaluation of the interpretation of [18F]FDG positron emission tomography data, whereby astrocytes would be recognized as contributing to the [18F]FDG signal.

