Abstract |
Activated microglia are thought to be an important contributor to tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). The level of microglial activation can be measured non-invasively using [(11)C]-R- PK11195, a radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography (PET). Prior studies have identified abnormalities in the level of [(11)C]-R- PK11195 uptake in patients with MS, but treatment effects have not been evaluated. Nine previously untreated relapsing-remitting MS patients underwent PET and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain at baseline and after 1 year of treatment with glatiramer acetate. Parametric maps of [(11)C]-R- PK11195 uptake were obtained for baseline and post-treatment PET scans, and the change in [(11)C]-R- PK11195 uptake pre- to post-treatment was evaluated across the whole brain. Region-of-interest analysis was also applied to selected subregions. Whole brain [(11)C]-R- PK11195 binding potential per unit volume decreased 3.17% (95% CI: -0.74, -5.53%) between baseline and 1 year (p = 0.018). A significant decrease was noted in cortical gray matter and cerebral white matter, and a trend towards decreased uptake was seen in the putamen and thalamus. The results are consistent with a reduction in inflammation due to treatment with glatiramer acetate, though a larger controlled study would be required to prove that association. Future research will focus on whether the level of baseline microglial activation predicts future tissue damage in MS and whether [(11)C]-R- PK11195 uptake in cortical gray matter correlates with cortical lesion load.
|
Authors | John N Ratchford, Christopher J Endres, Dima A Hammoud, Martin G Pomper, Navid Shiee, John McGready, Dzung L Pham, Peter A Calabresi |
Journal | Journal of neurology
(J Neurol)
Vol. 259
Issue 6
Pg. 1199-205
(Jun 2012)
ISSN: 1432-1459 [Electronic] Germany |
PMID | 22160466
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Peptides
- Glatiramer Acetate
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Female
- Glatiramer Acetate
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Microglia
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Middle Aged
- Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting
(drug therapy, metabolism)
- Peptides
(pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Protein Binding
(physiology)
- Treatment Outcome
|