Imaging of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke: Recent developments in positron emission tomography

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016 Mar;1862(3):425-41. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.11.011. Epub 2015 Nov 28.

Abstract

Neuroinflammation is thought to play a pivotal role in many diseases affecting the brain, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke. Neuroinflammation is characterised predominantly by microglial activation, which can be visualised using positron emission tomography (PET). Traditionally, translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO) is the target for imaging of neuroinflammation using PET. In this review, recent preclinical and clinical research using PET in Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke is summarised. In addition, new molecular targets for imaging of neuroinflammation, such as monoamine oxidases, adenosine receptors and cannabinoid receptor type 2, are discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuro Inflammation edited by Helga E. de Vries and Markus Schwaninger.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Microglia; Multiple sclerosis; Neuroinflammation; Positron emission tomography; Stroke.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Receptors, GABA / analysis
  • Stroke / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA
  • TSPO protein, human