Simultaneous radiomethylation of [11C]harmine and [11C]DASB and kinetic modeling approach for serotonergic brain imaging in the same individual

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 3283 - 12
• Main Authors: Vraka, Chrysoula, Murgaš, Matej, Rischka, Lucas, Geist, Barbara Katharina, Lanzenberger, Rupert, Gryglewski, Gregor, Zenz, Thomas, Wadsak, Wolfgang, Mitterhauser, Markus, Hacker, Marcus, Philippe, Cécile, Pichler, Verena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 28.02.2022; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 631/378; 639/638/549; 639/638/903; Amine oxidase (flavin-containing); Brain; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Harmine; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; Injection; multidisciplinary; Neuroimaging; Nuclear medicine; Positron emission tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography - methods; Radioactive tracers; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Serotonin; Serotonin transporter; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06906-0

Simultaneous characterization of pathologies by multi-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) is among the most promising applications in nuclear medicine. Aim of this work was the simultaneous production of two PET-tracers in one module and test the relevance for human application. [ 11 C]harmine and [ 11 C]DASB were concurrently synthesized in a ‘two-in-one-pot’ reaction in quality for application. Dual-tracer protocol was simulated using 16 single PET scans in different orders of tracer application separated by different time intervals. Volume of distribution was calculated for single- and dual-tracer measurements using Logan’s plot and arterial input function in 13 brain regions. The ‘two-in-one-pot’ reaction yielded equivalent amounts of both radiotracers with comparable molar activities. The simulations of the dual-tracer application were comparable to the single bolus injections in 13 brain regions, when [ 11 C]harmine was applied first and [ 11 C]DASB second, with an injection time interval of 45 min (r xy  = 0.90). Our study shows the successful simultaneous dual-tracer production leading to decreased radiation burden and costs. The simulation of dual subject injection to quantify the monoamine oxidase-A and serotonin transporter distribution proved its high potential. Multi-tracer imaging may drive more sophisticated study designs and diminish the day-to-day differences in the same individual as well as increase PET scanner efficiency.