In vivo detection of microglial activation in frontotemporal dementia.

Abstract

Using positron emission tomography and [(11)C](R)-PK11195, a marker of "peripheral benzodiazepine sites" that is upregulated on activated microglia during progressive tissue pathology, we show increased binding of [(11)C](R)-PK11195 in frontotemporal lobar degeneration in the typically affected frontotemporal brain regions. This implies the presence of an active glial response reflecting progressive neuronal degeneration. It also suggests that increased [(11)C](R)-PK11195 binding, previously demonstrated for Alzheimer's disease, may occur independently from increased amyloid plaque formation, given that it is not a characteristic feature of frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

• Authors: Annachiara Cagnin, Martin Rossor, Elizabeth L Sampson, Toby Mackinnon, Richard B Banati
• Journal: Annals of neurology (Ann Neurol) Vol. 56 Issue 6 Pg. 894-7 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0364-5134 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15562429 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Isoquinolines
• PK 11195

Topics

• Aged
• Chi-Square Distribution
• Dementia (metabolism, pathology)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Isoquinolines (metabolism)
• Microglia (metabolism, pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Protein Binding