Radiation dosimetry of the 18 kDa translocator protein ligand [¹⁸F]PBR111 in humans

The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is a mitochondrial protein that becomes overexpressed during neuroinflammatory conditions, such as in Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis. TSPO is of interest because it serves as a marker for microglial and astrocytic activity, measurable via in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging. [¹⁸F]PBR111 is a second-generation TSPO PET radioligand with high signal specificity but a sensitivity to TSPO polymorphism, in comparison with first-generation ligands. This study focused on the biodistribution and dosimetry of [¹⁸F]PBR111 in healthy humans.

Six volunteers (three males, three females) were administered approximately 200 MBq of [¹⁸F]PBR111. Organs such as the lungs and liver showed the highest initial radioactivity level, while the bone marrow and bladder accumulated activity over time, likely reflecting ligand defluorination and elimination.

Dosimetry findings revealed a total effective dose of 16.17 μSv/MBq, equivalent to 3.04 mSv per examination. Compared to animal models, human dosimetry showed lower radiation exposure, highlighting discrepancies in predictive models. Organ-specific dose comparisons with other TSPO ligands ([¹⁸F]PBR06, [¹⁸F]FEPPA, [¹⁸F]FEDAA1106) revealed similar distribution patterns. This study underscores the clinical viability of [¹⁸F]PBR111 for TSPO imaging, providing critical data for optimizing its safe use in research and clinical settings.

The findings support its potential for studying neuroinflammatory and systemic diseases. The trial registration number is NCT06398392.