PET Imaging of [¹¹C]MPC-6827, a Microtubule-Based Radiotracer in Non-Human Primate Brains

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiochemistry
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Microtubule dysregulation is linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders, including addiction and Alzheimer's disease.
• In vivo imaging of microtubules via positron emission tomography (PET) offers insights into disease pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reproducibility of [¹¹C]MPC-6827 PET imaging in non-human primate brains.
• To assess the potential of [¹¹C]MPC-6827 as a PET radiotracer for in vivo microtubule imaging in primate models.

Main Methods:

• Four healthy male cynomolgus monkeys underwent two dynamic PET/CT scans approximately one week apart.
• Time activity curves (TACs) and standard uptake values (SUVs) were analyzed for whole brains and specific regions.
• Test and retest scan data were compared to determine reproducibility.

Main Results:

• [¹¹C]MPC-6827 demonstrated excellent brain uptake and favorable pharmacokinetics in non-human primates.
• A significant positive correlation was found between test and retest scan data (r = 0.77, p = 0.023).
• The tracer showed high reproducibility in imaging microtubules in vivo.

Conclusions:

• [¹¹C]MPC-6827 is a reproducible PET radiotracer for imaging brain microtubules in vivo in non-human primates.
• The findings support the translational potential of [¹¹C]MPC-6827 for studying neurological and psychiatric diseases in primate models.