Imaging Synapses With [11C] UCB-J in the Human Brain
Davidzon, Guido, M.D.
Summary
The purpose of this study is to utilize the radioactive positron emission tomography (PET) tracer \[11C\]UCB-J to test the neural synaptic pruning hypothesis of schizophrenia. This imaging method allows for the quantification of synaptic density in the living human brain and has the unprecedented ability to directly examine the synaptic pathology underlying neuropsychiatric disease. The neural synaptic pruning hypothesis posits that a key pathogenic process of schizophrenia is the over-exuberant elimination of neural synapses during development. The confirmation of reduced synaptic density in schizophrenia as evidenced by \[11C\]UCB-J has the potential to lead to a number of ground-breaking clinical innovations, such as laboratory-based diagnostics and prognostics, and novel, disease-modifying treatments.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 - 65 years in age * For SZ participants: * On a stable medication regimen for at least two weeks prior to testing * A clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective disorder * Able to complete a PET-MR scan without the use of sedation Exclusion Criteria: * Active substance use within three months of testing * IQ \< 70 * Major medical neurological illness or significant head trauma * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Contraindication to MR scanning, including magnetic-resonance incompatible metal or hardware including pacemakers, cochlear…
Interventions
- Drug[11C]UCB-J radiotracer
I.V. bolus administration of up to 15 mCi (equivalent to 0.3 rems) in the antecubital vein
- DevicePET-MR
Positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, with a scan duration of up to 120 minutes
Locations (2)
- VA Palo Alto Health Care SystemPalo Alto, California
- Stanford UniversityStanford, California