Current status of PET-imaging probes of β-amyloid plaques

Arch Pharm Res. 2013 Oct;36(10):1178-84. doi: 10.1007/s12272-013-0193-4. Epub 2013 Jul 1.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. One of pathological hallmarks of AD is the accumulation and deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques which is a potential target for the early diagnosis of AD. Positron emission tomography (PET), a sensitive radionuclide imaging technique, has provided opportunities to detect Aβ plaques of AD. PET-imaging probes of Aβ plaques have been extensively developed during the last decade. [(18)F]Florbetapir, the (18)F-labeled PET-imaging probe of Aβ plaques, was recently approved by US Food and Drug Administration. A number of follow-on PET-imaging probes are currently being developed in academia and pharmaceutical companies. This article will discuss the recent development of PET-imaging probes from [(11)C]PIB to [(18)F]Florbetapir, which are in clinic trials, and several follow-on probes in preclinical stage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aniline Compounds*
  • Ethylene Glycols*
  • Humans
  • Plaque, Amyloid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*

Substances

  • Aniline Compounds
  • Ethylene Glycols
  • florbetapir