Estimating endogenous dopamine levels at D2 and D3 receptors in humans using the agonist radiotracer [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO

Neuropsychopharmacology. 2014 Nov;39(12):2769-76. doi: 10.1038/npp.2014.125. Epub 2014 May 30.

Abstract

Using positron emission tomography (PET) and an acute dopamine depletion challenge it is possible to estimate endogenous dopamine levels occupying dopamine D2/3 receptors (D2/3R) in humans in vivo. Our group has developed [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO, the first agonist radiotracer with preferential in vivo affinity for D3R. Thus, the use of [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO offers the novel possibility of (i) estimating in vivo endogenous dopamine levels at D2/3R using an agonist radiotracer, and (ii) estimating endogenous dopamine levels at D3R in extrastriatal regions such as the substantia nigra, hypothalamus, and ventral pallidum. Ten healthy participants underwent a [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO PET scan under baseline conditions and another under acute endogenous dopamine depletion achieved via oral administration of alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (64 mg/kg). [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO binding was sensitive to acute dopamine depletion, allowing in vivo estimates of endogenous dopamine in D2R-rich regions (caudate and putamen), mixed D2/3R-rich regions (ventral striatum and globus pallidus), and extrastriatal D3R-rich regions (hypothalamus and ventral pallidum). Dopamine depletion decreased self-reported vigor, which was correlated with the reduction in dopamine levels in the globus pallidus. [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO is a suitable radiotracer for use in estimating endogenous dopamine levels at D2R and D3R in neuropsychiatric populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect / drug effects
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Dopamine Agents / adverse effects
  • Dopamine Agents / blood
  • Dopamine Agents / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Homovanillic Acid / blood
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / blood
  • Oxazines*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / agonists
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D3 / agonists
  • Receptors, Dopamine D3 / metabolism*
  • alpha-Methyltyrosine / adverse effects
  • alpha-Methyltyrosine / blood
  • alpha-Methyltyrosine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Dopamine Agents
  • Oxazines
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • Receptors, Dopamine D3
  • naxagolide
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol
  • alpha-Methyltyrosine
  • Dopamine
  • Homovanillic Acid