Evidence for astrocytosis in ALS demonstrated by 11C(L)-deprenyl-D2 PET

• Objective: To use deuterium-substituted [11C](l)-deprenyl PET to depict astrocytosis in vivo in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Background: In human brain, the enzyme MAO-B is primarily located in astrocytes. l-deprenyl binds to MAO-B and autoradiography with 3H-l-deprenyl has been used to map astrocytosis in vitro. Motor neuron loss in ALS is accompanied by astrocytosis and astrocytes may play an active role in the neurodegenerative process. Deuterium-substituted [11C](l)-deprenyl PET provides an opportunity to localize astrocytosis in vivo in the brain of patients with ALS. Methods: Deuterium-substituted [11C](l)-deprenyl PET was performed in seven patients with ALS and seven healthy control subjects. Results: Increased uptake rate of [11C](l)-deprenyl was demonstrated in ALS in pons and white matter. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that astrocytosis may be detected in vivo in ALS by the use of deuterium-substituted [11C](l)-deprenyl PET though further studies are needed to determine whether deuterium-substituted [11C](l)-deprenyl binding tracks disease progression and reflects astrocytosis.

Nyckelord

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ALS

Motor neuron disease

Astrocytosis

PET

MAO-B

Deprenyl

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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