Preclinical Imaging has unique opportunities for translational research. A high-resolution (4 to 4.5 mm) ECAT HR+ whole-body research scanner is available for human and large animal research. This equipment allows rapid transition from animal studies to human research studies. This facility if fully equipped to carry out various studies of neuroscience, oncology, diabetes, cardiology and others. In addition to the capabilities of preclinical imaging facility, translational research is enhanced by collaborations with various Centers and Departments at UCI. Multimodality imaging is an area of research which will be strengthened by ongoing work at other Centers at UCI.
Following are examples of PET radiotracers developed by Preclinical Imaging and are currently in human studies.
I. DOPAMINE RECEPTORS_HUMAN BRAIN (HEALTHY SUBJECTS)
Fallypride PET human scan showing dopamine D2/D3 receptors. Highest concentration (White-yellow) seen in the caudate and putamen. Also see are regions of the cortex, amygdala, pituitary.
Fallypride PET human image showing dopamine D2/D3 receptors in a healthy human brain using a higher resolution HRRT PET scanner. Red-yellow regions show caudate and putamen with highest concentration of receptors. Also seen are cortical areas, amygdala, pituitary, tail of caudate and other brain regions.
II. SEROTONIN RECEPTORS_HUMAN BRAIN (HEALTHY SUBJECTS)
Mefway PET human image showing binding to serotonin 5HT1A receptors in the hippocampus and cortex in the healthy human brain.
Mefway human PET image coregistered with MR image showing high binding to serotonin 5HT1A receptors in the temporal cortex (red) and low binding (blue) in the cerebellum.
III. NICOTINIC RECEPTORS_HUMAN BRAIN (HEALTHY SUBJECTS)
Nifene PET in healthy human subject brain showing high binding (red) to the thalamus nicotinic a4b2 receptors. Binding in other brain regions is also seen.