ACTIVITies
The expertise of MIRCen in PET imaging covers the following research axes :
1. The
validation and characterisation of radiotracers in animal models engineered to create lesions or overexpress proteins of interest in well-defined areas, the density of the target of interest is significantly increased or decreased in comparison to another brain regions (for example the contralateral hemisphere). These models are not necessarily related to neurodegenerative pathologies. |
2.
The
validation of animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as synucleopathies (Parkinson disease,
MSA, DLB), tauopathies (AD) or Huntington disease, using well characterised radiotracers. PET imaging can be used to quantify deficits in neurotransmitter systems (receptors, transporters), changes in metabolism (hexokinase, AADC), alterations in synaptic density (SV2A), or to measure protein aggregation or neuroinflammation. These models are created by viral vector strategies, or through the induction of brain lesions (e.g. toxin). |
3.
The
evaluation of new therapies for clinical translation. PET imaging allows measuring the pharmacokinetics of a drug (i.e. the biodistribution of the radiolabeled drug), and its pharmacodynamics (the efficiency and the power of the drug). In addition, PET allows evaluating the efficacy of neuroregenerative therapies by cell replacement or gene therapy, or validating drug-induced neuroprotective therapies.
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The PET platform benefits from working in close contact with the newly opened
radiochemistry platform that produces 18F and 11C radiotracers, and with the
NMR platform which produces high resolution anatomical images for alignment with PET functional images.
PET imaging system for rodents
EQUIPMENT
- Two PET cameras are available allowing two PET exams to be carried out simultaneously for studies in rodents and primates (FOCUS 220, Siemens, Knoxville, TN). These two systems have the following characteristics:
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An axial field of view of 7.6 cm,
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A transaxial field of view of 19 cm,
- A spatial resolution of 1.4 mm,
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A sensitivity of 3.4%
- Two Swisstrace Twilite® systems to measure the whole blood input function simultaneously to PET acquisition
- Anesthesia and monitoring equipment for small and large animals
- A lab dedicated to the analysis of plasma radiometabolites and distribution studies
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A radio-HPLC (UV/gamma) chain equipped with a fraction collector (Waters, Alliance)
- A gamma counter (Perkin Elmer, Wizard)
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A vacuum concentration system with cooled steam trap
- A stirring system
- A centrifuge
- A lab dedicated to autoradiographic studies with long half-time isotopes