The overall goal of this project is to develop 18F PET radioligands for molecular targets that are implicated in the pathophysiology of brain and behavioral disorders (e.g. receptors, intracellular messengers, and disease related proteins). Our immediate goal is to synthesize and biologically characterize an 18F-labeled dopamine D2 agonist radioligand that will ultimately be used for the in vivo evaluation of the role of changes n D2 receptor status in several neurological disorders such as schizophrenia. The D2 receptor has been shown to exist in two states, D2high and D2low. Dopamine supersensitivity, which is marked by an increase in the percentage of D2 receptors in the high state, is implicated in neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, among others. Existing [D2/3] radiotracers, such as [11C] raclopride or [18F] fallypride, are D2 antagonists and show equal affinity for D2high and D2low, and cannot, therefore be used to assess increases in D2high. In contrast, D2 agonists show a higher affinity for D2high than for D2low and can, therefore, is used to measure these differences in vivo. At the present time, however, there are no [suitable] 18F-labeled D2 agonist radioligands available. The goal of this project is to develop such compounds. We have identified MCL-524 as a promising starting point for the development of this radioligand. Preliminary in vitro studies carried out in our laboratories showed that the nonradioactive compound is, in fact, a D2 agonist and that MCL-524 can be radiolabeled with 18F. The objective of this project is to extend these very promising preliminary results, laying the groundwork for future human evaluation of this compound. This objective forms the basis for the hypothesis that will be tested: An 18F-labeled D2 agonist radioligand can be used to assess the changes in D2 receptor status that characterize D2-related neurological diseases such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Fulfillment of this objective will provide a solid basis for advancing the best 18F PET D2 agonist radioligand into humans. Such a radioligand, if developed, would allow a way to study D2 receptor dynamics in relation to the DA system as well as other neurotransmitter systems, and thus allow us to advance our understanding of different neurological disorders.

Public Health Relevance

Several neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's Disease, are shown to involve dopamine supersensitivity and are marked by an increase in the percentage of D2 receptors in the high affinity state. The majority of available D2 radiotracers are [D2/3] antagonists, and are inherently unable to distinguish between D2high and D2low; in contrast, D2 agonists show a higher affinity for D2high than for D2low and can, therefore, potentially be used to measure these differences in vivo. At the present time, however, there are no [suitable] 18F-labeled D2 agonist radioligands available; therefore, the goal of this project is to develop an 18F-labeled D2 agonist radioligand can be used to assess the changes in D2 receptor status that characterize D2-related neurological diseases such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's Disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21MH103718-02
Application #
8929299
Study Section
Clinical Molecular Imaging and Probe Development (CMIP)
Program Officer
Michelotti, Enrique
Project Start
2014-09-19
Project End
2017-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-01
Budget End
2017-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Mclean Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
046514535
City
Belmont
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
Finnema, Sjoerd J; Stepanov, Vladimir; Nakao, Ryuji et al. (2014) (18)F-MCL-524, an (18)F-Labeled Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptor Agonist Sensitive to Dopamine: A Preliminary PET Study. J Nucl Med 55:1164-70