Imaging of Pain using Positron Emission Tomography

Area of Science:

• Molecular imaging
• Neuroscience
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive molecular imaging technique.
• PET provides pathophysiological information relevant to pain of various etiologies.
• PET combined with MRI or CT aids in diagnosing and monitoring pain-related changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review important PET tracers used for molecular imaging of pain.
• To serve as a reference for researchers in preclinical, translational, and clinical pain imaging.
• To provide an outlook on future needs and opportunities in PET imaging of pain.

Main Methods:

• Review of PET tracers for fundamental biological processes (e.g., glucose metabolism, cerebral blood flow).
• Review of receptor-specific PET tracers targeting ion channels and neurotransmitters.
• Description of tracer structure, radiochemical synthesis, and summary of preclinical/clinical studies.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive overview of PET tracers applied to pain imaging.
• Detailed information on tracer synthesis and study outcomes.
• Identification of key PET tracers for various pain-related biological targets.

Conclusions:

• PET imaging, utilizing diverse radiolabeled tracers, is crucial for understanding pain.
• This review consolidates knowledge on PET tracers for pain research.
• Future directions in PET imaging for pain are highlighted.