Advances in the molecular imaging of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Molecular imaging has had little application to multiple sclerosis thus far. However, advances in preclinical studies and proofs-of-principle provided for other inflammatory disorders highlight the potential for using positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computerized tomography or MRI-based molecular imaging methods to define the distribution and trafficking of specific immune effector cells, or to follow changes in specific molecular neuropathology in multiple sclerosis. If this promise can be realized, novel insights into the dynamics of in vivo multiple sclerosis neuropathology can be expected. Furthermore, powerful new approaches to testing the pharmacology of novel therapeutics will become possible. Molecular imaging could also contribute to 'personalizing' treatments for better outcomes.

Imaging Brain Microglial Activation Using Positron Emission Tomography and Translocator Protein-Specific Radioligands

“…However, this method of modeling may not be ideal for longitudinal studies as reference regions may change over time (Matthews and Comley, 2009). Specifically, in the absence of a true reference region, a data-driven signal clustering technique has been used to derive estimates of nonspecific binding and input function .…”

Molecular and Metabolic Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis

“…NAA is synthesized by neural mitochondria and is almost exclusively located within neural cells in the mature brain. 2,10,[12][13][14] Although its biochemical functions are not completely understood, NAA might reflect neuronal mitochondrial metabolism and/or neuronal integrity (Figure 1) 10 .…”

“…Additionally, microglial cell activation is thought to have a short-term positive effect on tissue repair, but a long-term contribution to neuronal cell death. 13,46,52 These inflammatory processes may be associated with increased PET signal detected in MS patients when compared to healthy controls. TSPO PET.…”

Positron emission tomography molecular imaging for drug development

“…One of the most promising new general areas of application is to inflammatory diseases [25]. The best characterized radioligand target has been the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO, previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor), expression of which is increased with macrophage or microglial activation, to provide a molecular marker of innate immune responses [26].…”