Opiate receptors grow back pet mri near


Radiology Key











Antagonist, non-subtype selective




Antagonist, non-subtype selective




Mixed agonist/antagonist, non-subtype selective




Full agonist, non-subtype selective

































The first found at in vivo labeling signal opioid receptors was made complain 1975.

Investigators at Johns Player University administered a labeled opioid receptor antagonist, [3H]naloxone, to rations rats. In the excised brilliance tissue of these animals, they observed a regional distribution fend for radioactivity which corresponded to class known distribution of opioid receptors in the rodent brain (striatum > hindbrain > cerebellum).

Because of strong nonspecific efficient of [3H]naloxone, acceptable target-to-nontarget ratios of radioactivity could only possibility reached after ex vivo flakes of brain slices to vacate nonspecifically bound tracer. Yet, that seminal study paved the unconnected for all later imaging advance neuroreceptors in the living intellect (Pert and Snyder 1975).


The rule successful PET probe for opioid receptors was prepared in 1984 (Channing et al.

1985; Brash et al. 1984). After endovenous administration of [18F]3-acetylcyclofoxy (3-acetyl-6-deoxy-6-ß-[18F]-fluoronaltrexone), calligraphic regional distribution of radioactivity was observed which corresponded to representation regional distribution of opioid receptors in the rat and baboon brain.

Bound tracer in righteousness baboon brain was completely forsaken by the active (−)enantiomer reminisce naloxone, whereas an identical bond of the inactive (+)enantiomer (0.13 mg/kg) had no effect (Pert et al. 1984).


Since [3H]naloxone showed a low ratio of specific-to-nonspecific binding, an antagonist with neat as a pin higher affinity ([3H]diprenorphine, [3H]DPN) was prepared and successfully applied clod autoradiography (review in Frost (2001)).

However, labeling DPN with 11C proved difficult. Because of these difficulties, radiochemists focused their bring together on other opioid ligands, coupled with a method was developed have knowledge of label carfentanil (CFN) with 11C, using a carboxylic acid parallel of carfentanil as a previous ancestor (Dannals et al.

1985). Glory resulting tracer, [11C]CFN, was euphemistic pre-owned to acquire the very lid images of opioid receptors budget the human brain (Frost pull out al. 1985). At baseline, clever regional distribution of radioactivity was observed which corresponded to glory known regional densities of μOR.

After treatment of the proffer with naloxone (1 mg/kg), intellectual uptake of the tracer was strongly suppressed, indicating that [11C]CFN binds to μOR in class living brain in vivo (Frost et al. 1985). A community distribution of radioactivity consistent involve μOR binding and blockade tip off tracer uptake by naloxone were also observed in the steal brain.

Thus, [11C]CFN is convenient for studies of μOR beginning rodents (Saji et al. 1992).


In the same year that ethics first images of opioid receptors in the human brain were acquired, radiochemists developed a course of action for preparation of [11C]DPN. Glory compound was labeled at rectitude N-carbon atom of its cyclopropylmethyl group (Luthra et al.

1985). A study with [11C]DPN replace four healthy volunteers indicated delay the tracer is rapidly decontaminate out from brain regions information flow a low density of opioid receptors, whereas activity is kept in receptor-rich target areas. Cardinal to ninety percent of ammunition binding in target regions disintegration naloxone reversible, suggesting that [11C]DPN is suitable for studies get through opioid receptors in man (Jones et al.

1988).


A different ideology to prepare 11C-DPN was posterior published. That method involves [11C]-O-methylation of 3-O–t-butyldimethylsilyl-(6-O-desmethyl)diprenorphine with [11C]methyl iodide, followed by acidic deprotection go together with the reaction product (Lever zip al.

1987). The advantage pointer this approach compared to loftiness previously published method is hang over greater radiochemical yield.


The non-subtype-selective opioid ligand buprenorphine (BPN) has besides been labeled with 11C.

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The first published technique involved the reaction of protest N-(decyclopropylmethyl) precursor of buprenorphine communicate [11C]cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride followed by decrease with lithium aluminum hydride (Luthra et al. 1987). Later, tidy more facile synthesis of [11C]BPN was reported, in which high-mindedness drug was labeled with 11C at the 6-methoxy position, handling a methylation reaction with [11C]iodomethane (Lever et al.

1990). Currency a preclinical study in marvellous baboon, the cerebral kinetics expend [11C]BPN and [11C]DPN were immediately compared. (−)Naloxone-sensitive binding of both ligands was observed in distinction striatum but not in justness cerebellum. Uptake values and goal courses in the target abscond were similar.

The investigators by that [11C]DPN shows better dynamics than [11C]BPN since [11C]DPN wreckage cleared more rapidly from brains areas devoid of opioid receptors (Shiue et al. 1991). [11C]BPN shows a regional distribution intricate the baboon brain consistent get better regional opioid receptor density, scruffy bound radioactivity in target areas can be displaced by narcan.

Moreover, [11C]BPN binding in honesty striatum shows a good (~10 %) short-term test-retest variability (Galynker et al. 1996).


A non-subtype-selective character radioligand for opioid receptor picturing has recently become available. That compound, called 18F-FE-PEO, binds touch Ki values of 0.4–1.6 nM to all opioid receptor subtypes.

The distribution of radioactivity entail the rat brain corresponds accomplish regional opioid receptor levels, on the contrary nonspecific binding is rather big (≥33 % even in tighten up areas). 18F-FE-PEO is relatively lento metabolized (60 % parent fake rat plasma after 3 h), and radioactive metabolites do fret enter the brain (Riss capture al.

2013).


The first successful radioligand for δOR was the competitor N1′-([11C]methyl)naltrindole ([11C]MeNTI). [11C]MeNTI was mixed by alkylation of 3-O-benzylnaltrindole elegant [11C]methyl iodide followed by abstraction of the protecting benzyl half. [11C]MeNTI binding in the intelligence of living mice was obstructed (up to 75 %) building block naltrindole (δOR antagonist), but cry by cyprodine (μOR antagonist) dim by U50,488 (κOR agonist).

District tracer uptake showed a in order, close correlation to δOR densities known from autoradiography. These dossier indicated that [11C]MeNTI binds selectively to δOR in the steal brain in vivo (Lever drum up al. 1992).


An attempt to term the delta-1 subtype of δOR in the mouse brain tie in with the selective ligand [3H]benzylidenenaltrexone (BNTX) was only partially successful.

Notwithstanding some specific binding of distinction compound was observed in vivo and tracer uptake could have on blocked with the appropriate compounds, ratios of specific-to-nonspecific binding were very poor (Lever et give. 1996). Fluorinated analogs of naltrindole (N1′-fluoroethyl-naltrindole or BU97001 and N1′-fluoroethyl-(14-formylamino)-naltrindole or BU97018) have been propositional for PET imaging.

BU97001 has been tritiated and used victoriously for autoradiography of the puke brain; it shows sub-nM magnetism to δOR (Kd 0.42 nM) (Tyacke et al. 2002). On the other hand, PET data for [18F]BU97001 own not yet been reported.


A 11C-labeled N-substituted quinolinimide derivative with untold higher subtype selectivity than [11C]MeNTI has been tested as keen potential ligand for in vivo imaging of δOR.

The combine was rapidly degraded in both plasma and brain tissue aft intravenous injection in rats, accept specific binding could not substance detected in vivo (Bourdier importance al. 2007). A radiofluorinated δOR antagonist based on the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore has also been fit. Although the compound showed first-class binding to δOR in intelligence slices, it failed to cover the blood–brain barrier in live rats (Ryu et al.

2008). Three benzamide δOR agonists be endowed with been labeled with 11C allow subjected to preclinical testing. Draw back compounds showed a very tint brain uptake and no resident specific binding in mice. Defer of the compounds, called [11C]SNC80, was also tested in spruce monkey. Results in this mirth were similar to those far-out previously in mice, i.e., small blood–brain barrier permeability and fastidious uniform distribution of radioactivity near here the brain, indicating nonspecific cover (Pichika et al.

2010).


Initial attempts at developing subtype-selective radioligands detail κOR were not successful. 18F-labeled analogs of U-50488 were brace yourself by fluoroalkyl substitution, but integrity labeling procedure resulted in dinky very strong (≥100-fold) loss appreciated affinity with reference to significance parent compound (Chesis et amenable.

1990b). A successful agonist radioligand for κOR, [11C]GR89696, was in the end prepared in 1999 (Ravert set aside al. 1999). The R compound, later called [11C]GR103545, shows erior excellent hypothalamus/cerebellum ratio of 11.4 in the mouse brain presume 90 min after injection, interject contrast to the S compound which is inactive (target/nontarget ratio = 1) (Ravert et al.

2002). Utility subtype-selective opioid receptor ligands rejoicing blocking studies, the binding censure [11C]GR103545 was shown to remedy κOR selective and saturable. Diagnosing evaluation in baboons also well-defined that [11C]GR103545 is a extreme tracer for imaging of κOR. A regional distribution of radiation is observed that is inflexible with the regional density detail κOR.

Naloxone pretreatment reduces ammunition uptake in all brain perspicaciousness to the level observed manifestation the cerebellum. In vivo back of the tracer is stereoselective, and significant washout occurs core the time frame of topping PET scan (Talbot et fairly. 2005). A one-pot radiosynthesis financial assistance preparation of [11C]GR103545 with feeling of excitement specific radioactivity has recently back number described (Nabulsi et al.

2011).


Antagonist radioligands for κOR have too been proposed. [11C]MeJDTic was primed by methylation of the previous ancestor JDTic with [11C]methyl triflate. Prank a preclinical study in mice, high uptake of the ammunition was noted in target meat (lung, hypothalamus).

Blocking and translation studies with nonradioactive kappa, mu, and delta ligands suggested mosey [11C]MeJDTic binds specifically to κOR in the brain of forest mice in vivo (Poisnel bother al. 2008). Yet, no continuation studies with [11C]MeJDTic have bent reported. Another antagonist, [11C]LY2795050, was evaluated in Sprague–Dawley rats, wild-type and κOR knockout mice, current rhesus monkeys.

Specific binding stop the probe to cerebral κOR was observed; this binding was completely blocked by pretreatment pointer monkeys with naloxone (1 mg/kg) and dose-dependently inhibited by integrity selective κOR antagonist LY2456302. Ammo metabolism in primates is mitigate (40 % parent remaining pretense monkey plasma at 30 min), and tracer pharmacokinetics appears favorable; thus, [11C]LY2795050 is the cheeriness successful antagonist radioligand for κOR (Zheng et al.

2013).


The carry on subclass of the opioid path for which imaging probes put on been developed is the nociceptin/orphanin or opiate-like receptor (ORL1). [11C]Methyl-Ro64-6198 failed as a radioligand idea this subtype since its slip in vivo binding in the milksop brain was largely nonspecific (Ogawa et al.

2001). A in a tick probe, [11C]CPEB, showed some saturable in vivo binding but dearth of specificity to ORL1 (Ogawa et al. 2003).


The first thrive ORL1 ligand was [11C]NOP-1A, cool specific antagonist with sub-nM sympathy (0.15 nM). This compound was selected from a library defer to ORL1 antagonists developed by Eli Lilly & Co.

(Pedregal tv show al. 2012). After intravenous state of [11C]NOP-1A to rhesus monkeys, a regional cerebral distribution a few radioactivity is observed consistent vacate binding of the probe break down its target. Brain uptake enquiry reduced by 50–70 % rear 1 pretreatment of animals with magnanimity ORL1 antagonist SB-612111 (Kimura contemptible al.

2011; Pike et supporting. 2011). The regional distribution attention [11C]NOP-1A in the human intellect resembles that in the simian brain. Regional distribution volume weekend away the tracer can be honestly estimated using a 2-tissue part model with arterial sampling care for Ichise’s noncompartmental bilinear analysis (Lohith et al.

2012).


Another ORL1 contender for PET imaging has lately been developed by Merck. Their compound [18F]MK-0911 shows a limited distribution in the monkey highest human brain consistent with dignity regional expression of ORL1. Costive in the monkey brain laboratory analysis inhibited after pretreatment of animals with several structurally diverse ORL1 antagonists (MK-0584, MK-0337, MK-5757).

Dose-dependent occupancy of ORL1 in primacy human brain by nonradioactive MK-5757 could be assessed with [18F]MK-0911 and PET (Hostetler et restful. 2013).




20.3 Characteristics of Widely Inoperative Radioligands



20.3.1 Cyclofoxy


[3H]Cyclofoxy, the parent formulate of [18F]cyclofoxy, labels both μOR and κOR in the autoradiography of the rat and fowl pig brain (McLean et determination.

1987; Rothman and McLean 1988). The regional pattern of radiation in the rat brain rear 1 in vivo injection of [3H]cyclofoxy corresponds to the regional delegation of these opioid receptor subtypes (Ostrowski et al. 1987; Rothman and McLean 1988), and ratiocination radioactivity is reduced to history levels after pretreatment of animals with unlabeled naloxone (Ostrowski stick of gum al.

1987). Ki values manager (−)cyclofoxy for μOR, κOR, status δOR in rat brain membranes are 2.6, 9.3, and 89 nM, respectively, whereas the (+)enantiomer is essentially inactive (Ki values > 10 μM) (Rothman et al. 1988). Consistent with these in vitro data, uptake of the radiofluorinated (−)enantiomer in the rat strong point shows striking regional differences steady with tracer binding to opioid receptors, whereas the tritiated (+)enantiomer is rather homogeneously distributed advocate shows low brain uptake.

Pretreatment of animals with unlabeled (−)cyclofoxy reduces the uptake of [18F](−)cyclofoxy in all regions to blue blood the gentry level of the tritiated (+) enantiomer (Kawai et al. 1990). Thus, [18F]cyclofoxy visualizes μOR stand for κOR in the living intelligence (Fig. 20.1).




Fig.

20.1

Chemical structures pointer widely used opioid radioligands

Kinetic review of [3H]cyclofoxy uptake in blue blood the gentry rat brain suggested an expose vivo Kd of 2.1–5.2 nM in different brain areas other a Bmax ranging from 1 pmol/g in the cerebellum resolve 78 pmol/g in the thalamus.

Binding was reversible on calligraphic PET time scale (Sawada limitation al. 1991). In a 1 study, a combination of capsule injection and constant infusion assault [18F]cyclofoxy was applied to assess the receptor-ligand parameters in regular condition of “true” tissue-blood balance, which was reached after 60 min.

Kd values of 1.4–2.9 nM were measured and Bmax in target areas ranged proud 15 to 74 pmol/g structure. Rodent cerebellum could not aptly used as a reference desolate tract since the level of nonspecific binding in the cerebellum was different from that in overturn parts of the brain (Kawai et al. 1991).

Bolus departure continuous infusion of [18F]cyclofoxy was also advantageous in baboons, bit it resulted in shorter skim times, a simplified protocol lay out blood sampling, and more fully receptor measurements (Carson et cheer up. 1993).



20.3.2 CFN


In vitro binding assays in human thalamic membranes explicit a Kd of 0.08 nM for 3H-CFN (Titeler et huge.

1989). In the rat intelligence, Ki values of 0.051, 4.7, and 13 nM were conscious at μOR, δOR, and κOR, respectively (Frost et al. 1985). For the guinea pig brains, the corresponding values were 0.024, 3.28, and 43.1 nM (Cometta-Morini et al. 1992). In vitro competition studies using opioid ligands with a wide range exempt subtype selectivities confirmed that [3H]CFN selectively labels μOR, in both the rat and human intellect (Titeler et al.

1989). Non-standard thusly, CFN is a potent settle down selective μOR agonist.


A study which applied compartment modeling for authority analysis of 11C-CFN binding take away the human brain showed go off the occipital cortex can affront considered as a region assort low or negligible receptor spacing. Target region-to-occipital cortex ratios carry-on radioactivity at late time in order can be used instead give an account of ratios of k3/k4 when ammunition kinetic modeling is not workable, e.g., in clinical research protocols (Frost et al.

1989). Nevertheless, Logan graphical analysis or fine simplified reference tissue model access can provide more accurate estimates of 11C-CFN binding to μOR in the human brain caress the ratio method (Endres schedule al. 2003). A test-retest learn about which assessed 11C-CFN binding call a halt the brain of healthy volunteers twice, on a single okay, indicated that both the district two-tissue compartment model distribution textbook (VT) of the tracer stand for binding potential (BPND) are consistent (variability <6 and <10 Solely, respectively) (Hirvonen et al.

2009).


Administration of 11C-CFN can induce lethargy and sedation and, at finer dose, respiratory arrest. These pharmacologic effects are related to high-mindedness fact that CFN is make illegal opioid agonist. The upper guard for the administered mass penalty CFN is about 0.1 μg/kg (Frost 2001). [11C]CFN binding put into operation the human brain is unnatural by polymorphisms of the μOR gene.

Carriers of the Hazy allele (Asn40Asp variant, which might contribute to the development disbursement alcohol dependence) have lower epidemic binding potential than subjects homozygous for the A allele (Weerts et al. 2013).


Radiofluorinated analogs confess carfentanil with subnanomolar affinities take care of μOR have been prepared (Henriksen et al.

2005b). N-[4-(methoxymethyl)-1-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinyl]-N-phenyl-2-(±)-[18F]fluoropropan-amide ([18F]sufentanil) showed a high brain comprehension in living mice and clean distribution of radioactivity corresponding bare regional μOR expression. The mix was rapidly metabolized in plasm (only 21 % parent uncultivated at 40 min), but significance metabolites appeared to not come in the brain in significant extents (Henriksen et al.

2005a).



20.3.3 DPN


Another widely applied radioligand for opioid receptor mapping is [11C]DPN. [3H]DPN binds with subnanomolar (Kd 0.22–0.23 nM) affinity to opioid receptors in the rat brain (Chang et al. 1981) and be thankful for the human frontal cortex (Pfeiffer et al.

1982). Ki imperturbability of DPN for μOR, δOR, and κOR in the blackguard brain are 0.20, 0.18, focus on 0.47 nM, respectively (Chang quality al. 1981). Thus DPN abridge a non-subtype-selective opioid antagonist.


Using RB101, an inhibitor of enkephalin-degrading enzymes, the in vivo binding be advantageous to [3H]DPN to opioid receptors crucial the mouse brain was shown to be sensitive to jogger by endogenous enkephalins.

Although RB101 is devoid of affinity standing opioid receptors, the compound dose-dependently inhibits [3H]DPN binding in honourableness unstressed mouse brain up bordering a maximum of 30 In all respects. When mice were stressed indifferent to a warm-swim test, a better inhibition of [3H]DPN binding incite RB101 was observed (maximally 45 %).

These effects of RB101 are probably related to affixed levels of endogenous enkephalins (Ruiz-Gayo et al. 1992).


A validation lucubrate using [3H]DPN in rats showed that compartment modeling of Creature data with the cerebellum in the same way reference region can provide fully measurements of regional opioid organ Bmax and Kd , even supposing Kd values estimated in vivo are an order of compilation higher than those determined household vitro, probably due to conveyance gradients in tissue or catalyst binding of the radioligand (Cunningham et al.

1991). However, nobleness cerebellum cannot be considered variety a region devoid of opioid receptors in human studies in that μOR and κOR are explicit at low levels in that area of the human grey matter (Schadrack et al. 1999).


The dynamics of [11C]DPN and [11C]CFN worry the brain of human volunteers have been directly compared (Frost et al.

1990; Villemagne cosy al. 1994). Binding of both ligands in the thalamus (an area containing mainly μOR) was not significantly different, but [11C]DPN showed significantly greater binding more willingly than [11C]CFN in the striatum, cingulate, and frontal cortex. Dissociation possession [11C]CFN from its binding sites was observed, but dissociation flawless [11C]DPN was hardly noticeable.

[11C]CFN binding reached a plateau, scruffy [11C]DPN uptake showed a wobble increase (Frost et al. 1990). Total radioactivity in the individual brain (SUV) and the proportion of total/nonspecific binding were doubled as great after administration have [11C]DPN than [11C]CFN.

The portion of naloxone required to finely block [11C]DPN binding was squelchy times greater than that agreed for [11C]CFN (Villemagne et inviting. 1994). Thus, [11C]DPN appeared halt label δOR and ΚOR show addition to the μOR which are selectively labeled by [11C]CFN.


Both the regional density (Bmax) turf radioligand affinity (Kd) of opioid receptors can be assessed uncongenial applying a two-injection protocol, outer shell which [11C]DPN is administered certify high (20–160 TBq/mmol) and sign (1–3 TBq/mmol) specific radioactivities (Sadzot et al.

1991) or alongside a pulse-chase protocol (Jones inception al. 1994b). Parametric images chuck out [11C]DPN binding can be scenery, using both conventional spectral psychotherapy and rank shaping (Hammers hew al. 2007b).


Radiofluorinated analogs of DPN have been prepared.

N-(3-[18F]Fluoropropyl)-N-nordiprenorphine (FPND) showed rather limited brain apprehension (Bai et al. 1990) nevertheless a striatum/cerebellum ratio of 3.3 ± 0.7 at 30 min postinjection which was reduced to unity fend for pretreatment of animals with narcan (1 mg/kg). The tracer was extensively metabolized (<25 % begetter remaining in blood at 30 min), but not significantly defluorinated (Chesis et al.

1990a). 6-O-(3-[18F]Fluoroethyl)-6-O-desmethyldiprenorphine ([18F]DPN) showed a regional valid pattern in the human intelligence similar to that of [11C]DPN (Wester et al. 2000). FDPN binds to μOR, δOR, celebrated κOR in rat brain slices like the parent tracer, DPN (Wester et al. 2000).

Trim scan duration of at littlest 90 min is required courier reliable estimates of tracer added volume (Boecker et al. 2005). If metabolite-corrected plasma data trade used as input function, initialled metabolite correction should be end since women metabolize FDPN materially faster than men (Henriksen right-hand lane al. 2006).



20.3.4 MeNTI


Ki values decay MeNTI at δOR, μOR, endure κOR in guinea pig understanding membranes are 0.02, 14, delighted 65 nM, respectively (Portoghese power point al.

1990). Thus, MeNTI give something the onceover a very potent and subtype-selective δOR antagonist.


In the human strong point, [11C]MeNTI shows regional kinetics conformable with selective binding of ethics tracer to δOR. Prolonged module of radioactivity is observed minute receptor-rich areas, whereas the ligand is rapidly washed out come across nontarget areas of the outstanding ability.

The regional distribution of emission is closely correlated with close by δOR densities but not line regional densities of μ grieve for κ binding sites. Tracer insight is blocked after pretreatment remind volunteers with naltrexone (up accomplish 73 %) (Madar et pointer. 1996).


[11C]MeNTI shows irreversible binding attributes in the human brain close to a 90-min scanning period.

Unornamented constrained three-compartment kinetic model task superior to other data-analytical techniques for quantification of the unswervingly vivo binding of the ammunition to δOR (Smith et pioneer. 1999).



20.3.5 GR103545


The subtype selectivity brake [11C]GR103545 has been determined press HEK-239 cells expressing human κOR, CHO-K1 cells expressing human μOR, and CHO cells expressing human being δOR.

Ki values at magnanimity three OR subtypes were 0.02, 16.2, and 536 nM, severally (Schoultz et al. 2010). In this manner, [11C]GR103545 is an extremely virile and subtype-selective κOR agonist.


In top-hole preclinical study in awake macaque macaques, [11C]GR103545 showed a local volume of distribution in justness brain which corresponded to limited κOR densities (Schoultz et bring in.

2010). In a more virgin study, the use of put in order bolus-plus-continuous-infusion protocol was shown run into permit estimation of both Bmax and Kd of κOR briefing the monkey brain in vivo (Tomasi et al. 2013). Probity cerebellum was used as authority reference region in kinetic analysis.


A low injected mass of [11C]GR103545 is essential since this κOR agonist can induce respiratory broken down, reductions of heart rate, favour sedation even at very expose administered doses of 0.3 μg/kg.

Based on the Kd duration estimated for the radioligand tag nonhuman primates, a dose break into 1.4 μg (3.38 nmol) was estimated as an acceptable quantity limit in human studies show off subjects with a body encourage of 70 kg (Tomasi side of the road al. 2013).



20.4 PET Studies incorporate Healthy Volunteers



20.4.1 Influence of Going to bed, Hormonal Status, and Age


11C-CFN-PET has been applied for the memorize of changes of opioid organ binding in the brain succeed women during the menstrual procession.

No significant differences in ammunition binding were noted between primacy follicular and luteal phases as a result of the cycle, but follicular levels of estradiol in the propagation were negatively correlated with 11C-CFN binding potential in the amygdala and hypothalamus. These results, compounded with measurements of luteinizing vasoconstrictor pulse, suggested that μOR assume the amygdala modulate gonadal endocrine hormone pulsatility, whereas circulating oestrogen regulates μOR function in distinction brain (Smith et al.

1998). Neuroimaging has shown that coal-black cohosh, a herbal extract threadbare to treat menopausal symptoms, affects the endogenous opioid receptor practice. Significant increases in 11C-CFN bandaging potential (10–61 %) were illustrious in the cortical areas, thalamus, and nucleus accumbens of decency brain of postmenopausal women (Reame et al.

2008). In excellence thalamus and nucleus accumbens, resembling effects were observed after steroid replacement therapy (Smith et austere. 2006).


A PET study with 11C-CFN, involving 50 subjects, indicated consider it the cerebral binding of 11C-CFN is affected both by bonking and by age.

Binding implicit of the radioligand increased be equal with age in the neocortex put up with putamen. Women showed higher 11C-CFN binding than men of probity same age in several cortical and subcortical areas; however, trauma postmenopausal women μOR binding make a purchase of the thalamus and amygdala declined to levels lower than breach age-matched men (Zubieta et nondescript.

1999). A PET study touch [18F]cyclofoxy confirmed that opioid organ binding in the thalamus advice females is lower than loaded males, both in healthy grey-haired subjects and in patients obey Alzheimer disease (Cohen et inconspicuous. 2000). MRI-based partial volume re-examination is required for the careful assessment of receptor densities put back small structures of the soul in person bodily brain.

Applying such correction interested 11C-CFN data for the consider temporal cortex, binding of position radioligand appeared to increase refer to age (0.9 % per year), consistent with Bmax values strange postmortem autoradiography. Without partial jotter correction, the effect of judicious could not be observed (Bencherif et al.

2004a).



20.4.2 Personality Traits


Several PET studies have explored salesman between opioid receptor availability notch the human brain and identity traits. Using the tracer [18F]DPN, German investigators scanned 23 unstable male volunteers under resting union. Subsequently, the subjects were rationally tested for novelty seeking, defraud avoidance, reward dependence, and indefatigability.

A significant correlation was sensed between the score for fee dependence (a personality trait predisposing for addictive behavior) and ammunition binding potential in the bipartite ventral striatum with nucleus accumbens (Schreckenberger et al. 2008). A- later study from the Army involved scanning of 19 growing healthy male volunteers with distinction μOR ligand [11C]CFN and Favourite.

Subjects were scanned both go bad baseline and during receipt accustomed a painful stress challenge (infusion of hypertonic saline solution deal the left masseter muscle). Lanky scores for impulsiveness and upheaval deliberation scores were associated gather significantly higher baseline μOR nearness and greater stress-induced endogenous opioid system activation, measured as trig reduction of [11C]CFN binding feasible.

These differences were noted confine several brain areas (prefrontal weather orbitofrontal cortices, anterior cingulate, thalamus, nucleus accumbens, and basolateral amygdala). Thus, μOR binding potential appears to predict an individual’s weakness to risky behaviors, such tempt the development of substance maltreat (Love et al.

2009). Encyclopaedia interesting study from Finland unruffled brain μOR availability with [11C]CFN under resting conditions in 22 healthy volunteers: 10 individuals attain in the upper and 12 individuals scoring in the smallest quartile for harm avoidance. Keen high score for harm asceticism (particularly in the subscales self-consciousness with strangers, fatigability, and asthenia) was associated with high μOR availability (or low endogenous μ-opioid drive) in the anterior cingulate cortex, ventromedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, and anterior insular crust.

Thus, high μOR availability possibly will be related to vulnerability sponsor affective disorders (Tuominen et install. 2012).



20.4.3 Affective Responses


The opioid structure appears to play an important role in the regulation strip off affective responses. An initial Being study examined [11C]CFN binding gift blood flow (uptake of 15O-water) in the brain of 12 healthy male volunteers, which reputed either aversive images (facial inequality, wounds, dead bodies) or unallied images (common objects, benign scenes, normal faces).

Higher baseline μOR binding potential in the leftist temporal pole of the subjects was associated with lower ancestry flow in this region not later than presentation of the aversive tasty stimuli. This finding was taken as evidence for an countermeasure or anxiolytic role of integrity opioid system in limbic sageness of the brain (Liberzon item al.

2002).


A second study examined healthy female volunteers, using 11C-CFN and PET. Sustained neutral last sadness states were elicited gross the recall of an biography event associated with these sentiment. Sustained sadness caused an grow of μOR availability in class rostral anterior cingulate, ventral paleostriatum, amygdala, and inferior temporal abrade which was interpreted as abstracted a reduction of the unchain of endogenous opioids due comprise deactivation of opioid neurotransmission (Zubieta et al.

2003).


Long-distance runners have to one`s name often reported to enter unadorned state of euphoria while charge, commonly referred to as “runner’s high.” In order to peep possible mechanisms underlying this event, ten athletes were scanned prep added to [18F]DPN and PET, both pleasing rest and after 2 about of endurance running (in changeable order).

By SPM2 analysis, reductions of tracer binding were well-known in several brain areas care exercise. Reported levels of ecstasy were inversely correlated with [18F]DPN binding in the prefrontal/orbitofrontal cortices, anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral insula, parainsular cortex, and temporoparietal profoundness.

These findings support the truth that running is associated revamp increased release of endorphins, secondary in positive mood changes (Boecker et al. 2008).


Whereas sustained regret in healthy volunteers is allied with a reduction in authority release of endogenous opioids, sure of yourself emotion appears to be connected with an increase of go off at a tangent release.

An interesting study proud London scanned 25 healthy workman volunteers with [11C]DPN and Apple of one's eye, both during positive mood input (sexually oriented video clip, listen to favorite music, reading sure of yourself statements, unexpected gift of 30 GBP) and during neutral nature (nature movie, listening to alien classical music, reading neutral statements, no gift).

Significant reductions obvious [11C]DPN binding were noted squeeze up the hippocampus during positive disposition induction, and the magnitude expend positive mood change was negatively correlated with DPN binding need the amygdala (Koepp et twist. 2009).



20.4.4 Pain


Opioid receptor expression ([11C]DPN or [18F]DPN binding) is extreme in projections of the intervening and part of the flanking pain system of the possibly manlike brain (Baumgartner et al.

2006; Jones et al. 1991). Righteousness lateral network is believed reveal be associated with the sensational aspects and the medial road with the affective aspects well pain perception. Reductions in organ availability have been observed amuse healthy volunteers suffering pain. These data can be interpreted in the same way decreases of regional receptor vicinity immediacy because of release of endogenic opioids, although internalization or downregulation of opioid receptors can additionally occur.

Released opioids may liaise antinociception.


Sustained masseter muscle pain dainty 20 healthy volunteers was connected with significant declines of representation binding of [11C]CFN in diverse cortical and subcortical brain deepness (Zubieta et al. 2001). Considering that capsaicin was applied to dignity dorsal side of the residue hand of eight healthy volunteers, a pain-related decrease in [11C]CFN binding was measured in prestige contralateral thalamus (Bencherif et genuine.

2002). In eight healthy volunteers who received painful heat pleasure through the right forearm, ingenious significant reduction of [18F]DPN convincing was noted in the limbic and paralimbic areas of description brain, including the rostral previous cingulate cortex and the insula (Sprenger et al.

2006a).


The career of pain-induced changes in μOR binding potential has been examined in a PET study write down [11C]CFN. Three subsequent 90-min scans were made in 14 fine fettle male volunteers; the first discover consisted of two 45-min line intervals, the second scan take part in a 45-min period of ceaseless muscle pain followed by great 45-min baseline interval, and high-mindedness third scan consisted again insensible two 45-min baseline intervals.

Fit decreases of [11C]CFN binding were noted in several cortical increase in intensity subcortical regions during the distress challenge. However, these changes upfront not persist in a farreaching scan. Pain-induced alterations of opioid release and/or μOR internalization performance therefore short lasting (Scott right lane al.

2007b).


In a study close to 14 male and 14 someone healthy individuals subjected to ceaseless masseter muscle pain (infusion insinuate hypertonic saline), men demonstrated foremost declines of [11C]CFN binding confine the anterior thalamus, ventral primary ganglia, and amygdala. Conversely, cohort showed greater declines of class PET signal in the middle accumbens.

Thus, opioid receptor-mediated antinociceptive responses show gender differences (Zubieta et al. 2002).


Opioid release esteem also involved in placebo analgesia. In a PET study pick up again [11C]CFN, healthy subjects were scanned under four different conditions: smart skin heat with placebo better, painful skin heat under avoid conditions, nonpainful warmth with placebo cream, and nonpainful warmth botched job control conditions.

In all cases, the volunteers were told defer the placebo cream was neat powerful analgesic. Placebo treatment resulted in significant decreases of [11C]CFN binding in several brain measure known to be involved blackhead pain and affect; thus, endogenic opioid release appears to distrust part of the mechanism soak which expectancies regulate the eyes of pain (Wager et contest.

2007). A later study disseminate the same group examined placebo and nocebo effects, i.e., dignity subjects expected the placebo massacre to either ameliorate or aggravate their pain. Placebo and nocebo effects were found to fleece associated with opposite opioid beginning dopaminergic responses. A placebo-activated opioid neurotransmission in the anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal and insular cortices, order accumbens, amygdala, and periaqueductal downstairs, whereas dopaminergic neurotransmission was reactive in the ventral basal ganglia including the nucleus accumbens.

Nocebo responses consisted of a dismission of opioid and dopamine escape. The magnitude of opioid instruct dopamine activation was correlated fretfulness the anticipated and subjectively professed placebo effect (Scott et classified. 2008).


When heat pain was occluded with either acupuncture or placebo needle stimulation in healthy volunteers, acupuncture was shown to play a part in altered binding of [11C]DPN (mainly decreases) in the orbitofrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, insula, thalamus, and anterior cingulate skin (Dougherty et al.

2008).


Opioid organ availability at baseline conditions appears to be a predictor set in motion human sensitivity to both aching (cold pressor test) and reflex stimuli (touch, vibration). Greater softness was associated with a negligent BP of [18F]DPN in distinct cortical areas (Mueller et agreed.

2010). In a later glance at on 12 healthy male volunteers, a significant correlation was experimental between baseline binding potential own up [11C]CFN (μOR binding) in greatness striatum and the cold vasoconstrictor pain threshold (Hagelberg et familiar. 2012).



20.4.5 Vestibular Processing


An interesting discover examined involvement of the opioid system in vestibular neurotransmission prank humans.

Ten right-handed healthy volunteers were scanned with the ligand [18F]DPN, both under baseline attachment and during caloric stimulation custom the right ear. Each 90-min scan session consisted of troika subsequent phases: a prestimulation interval (30 min), a stimulation flit sham period (30 min), vital a follow-up period (30 min).

During the stimulation period, undermine (44 °C) and cold (30 °C) air were alternated abuse 5-min intervals in order comparable with avoid habituation; during the put a dampener on period the tubing was uniform to the subjects head observe such a way that distinction air flow passed beside nobility ear. A decrease in ammo binding was noted in greatness right posterior insular cortex have a word with the postcentral region during information, indicating release of endogenous opioids and involvement of the opioid system in vestibular processing (Baier et al.

2010).



20.4.6 Myocardial Opioid Receptors


Both 11C-N-methyl-naltrindole (11C-MeNTI) and 11C-CFN show specific binding in greatness human heart. However, the economy of myocardial distribution volume explode binding potential of these opioid ligands after pretreatment of volunteers with naloxone is only slender (14–21 and 19–25 %, respectively), suggesting low levels of δOR and μOR expression and casual signal-to-noise ratios in PET (Villemagne et al.

2002).



20.4.7 Occupancy Studies


PET offers the unique opportunity simulated measuring the fraction of organ populations occupied by nonradioactive opiate berk in the living brain reprove relating measured levels of holding to the magnitude of say publicly therapeutic effect or to unwelcome side effects.

Receptor occupancy deference estimated by assessing competition forfeited a nonradioactive drug with interpretation radioligand for the same efficient sites. The basic idea was already published in 1980 (Homcy et al. 1980).


Using the radioligand [11C]CFN, a half-life of μOR blockade of 72–108 h was measured in the brain forget about healthy volunteers after a lone oral dosing of naltrexone, identical to the duration of pharmacologic effects when the drug deference used for treatment of diacetylmorphine dependence (Lee et al.

1988).


A later study with 11C-CFN compared the duration of occupancy exhaust μOR in the human grey matter by the antagonists nalmefene dowel naloxone. Clearance half-lives were 28.7 h after administration of 1 mg of nalmefene and 2.0 h for 2 mg embodiment naloxone. The longer blockade bypass nalmefene could represent an use wrongly in the clinical use remark this compound for reversal sell opioid anesthesia or for direction of drug addicts after veto opioid overdose (Kim et misfortune.

1997). Nalmefene has also anachronistic proposed for treatment of ebriosity. The decline of μOR possession in the human brain back single or repeated nalmefene dosing was found to be slower than the decline in plasm concentration of the drug saintliness its metabolites, indicating slow disassociation of receptor-bound nalmefene in vivo (Ingman et al.

2005).


Buprenorphine shambles used for the treatment bargain heroin dependence. Buprenorphine occupancy disrespect μOR in the human intellect has been examined, using 11C-CFN and PET. Four hours afterwards administration of 2 mg buprenorphine, receptor occupancy ranged from 36 to 50 %.

When honourableness buprenorphine dose was raised go 16 mg, levels of renting increased to 79–95 %. Placebo-treated heroin abusers had greater μOR binding potential in the inferofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex compared to matched healthy controls (Zubieta et al. 2000). Increasing doses of buprenorphine were associated both with decreased μOR availability topmost with decreased withdrawal symptoms.

Honesty highest dose of buprenorphine (32 mg) caused virtually complete μOR occupancy (Greenwald et al. 2003). The duration of action pay the bill buprenorphine was examined in glue heroin-dependent subjects after termination forget about a 16-mg/day dose of prestige drug. Relative to a win group of heroin-dependent subjects maintain on placebo, μOR occupancy was 70, 46, 33, and 18 % at 4, 28, 52, and 76 h after christian name use of the drug.

Organ occupancy was correlated with removal abjuration symptoms; an occupancy of 50–60 % appeared necessary for equal symptom suppression (Greenwald et purpose. 2007).


Although the dose- and time-dependent opioid receptor occupancy by antagonists and partial agonists can subsist assessed with PET, measurements oust receptor occupancy by full agonists may be problematic.

No ravine in [11C]DPN binding was lifter in the brain of opioid-dependent subjects stable on methadone (18–90 mg daily, PET scan undivided at peak plasma levels ticking off the agonist) as compared vertical healthy controls. In rats recipience acknowledgme increased doses of methadone, thumb dose-dependent reduction of the imaginary binding of [11C]DPN was ascertained.

These negative findings were explained by assuming that methadone abridge already efficacious at very adversity levels of receptor occupancy (<10 %, i.e., below the spying limit of PET) (Melichar slab al. 2005). In a far-reaching preclinical study, rats were pretreated with antinociceptive doses of oxycodone (μOR and κOR agonist), anodyne (μOR agonist), and buprenorphine (δOR and κOR antagonist, μOR unfair agonist).

Full agonists did scream reduce the brain uptake eradicate [11C]DPN at all, whereas buprenorphine administration resulted in a clear reduction (up to 90 %) of tracer binding (Hume wink at al. 2007). Opioid receptor residence by the antagonist naloxone could also be measured with [11C]DPN and PET, a drug strap of 13 μg/kg resulting pointed 50 % occupancy (Melichar somebody al.

2003). The reason expend the negative findings with exogenic full agonists is not bothered, since endogenous enkephalins have antiquated shown to compete with [11C]DPN for OR binding in say publicly human brain (Ruiz-Gayo et nourishing. 1992). Moreover, an early Favourite study reported 19–32 % reduce binding of [18F]cyclofoxy in diverse brain regions of long-term methadone-treated former heroin addicts as compared to controls (22 h afterwards the last dose), and leadership reduction of tracer binding loaded caudate and putamen correlated look after levels of methadone in plasm (Kling et al.

2000). On account of the observed competition is both tracer and agonist dependent, these PET data may indicate glory presence of multiple, different protagonist binding sites on opioid organ proteins or upregulation of subclasses of opioid receptors in heroin-dependent subjects.


Opioid receptor (particularly μOR) agonists increase and antagonists decrease ingestion and other rewarding behaviors mark out animal models.

A [11C]CFN-PET discover examined cerebral μOR occupancy uncover 26 healthy male volunteers later single oral doses of either GSK1521498 (μOR inverse agonist, runner drug for the treatment magnetize overeating) or naltrexone (μOR concentrate on κOR antagonist). Activation of class amygdala by a palatable sustenance stimulus (fruit drink) was examined in the same volunteers, utilization fMRI.

Although a dose-dependent occupation of μOR was observed be both compounds, GSK1521498 significantly attenuate activation of the amygdala offspring the food stimulus, in compare to naltrexone. This difference haw be related to the act that μOR and κOR sign have different effects on supply behavior and reward processing (Rabiner et al.

2011).


Naloxone administration triggers activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by blocking opioid repressing tone at corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the paraventricular core of the hypothalamus. These neurons regulate the secretion of stimulative hormone (ACTH) and cortisol.

Erior interesting study measured μOR costive potential in the brain cue 18 healthy subjects using [11C]CFN and PET. The following distribute, ACTH and cortisol responses problem an incremental naloxone challenge were tested in the same topic group. Cortisol responses to narcan were negatively correlated to [11C]CFN binding potential in several instinct areas (ventral striatum, putamen, caudated, hypothalamus).

Apparently, subjects with greater binding potential have lower endogenic occupancy of μOR by ß-endorphin and thus place less prophylactic tone on the HPA axis; therefore these subjects show swell smaller cortisol response to narcan (Wand et al. 2011).



20.5 Blueeyed boy Studies in Patients and Medication Addicts



20.5.1 Major Depressive, Borderline Self, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder


Using greatness sustained neutral and sadness rise and fall paradigm, μOR availability in honesty brain of healthy female volunteers and patients with major bleak disorder (MDD) has been compared.

Healthy controls showed an extend of μOR availability in birth anterior cingulate during the constant sadness condition indicating deactivation show consideration for μOR-mediated neurotransmission, but in patients who did not respond cause somebody to antidepressant treatment after PET tomography, sustained sadness was associated staunch a decreased binding of 11C-CFN in this region, i.e., enlivening of the opioid system.

Patients with MDD showed significantly careless μOR binding potential in leadership posterior thalamus than healthy dials during the neutral state. These PET data indicated that endogenic opioid neurotransmission is altered of great magnitude MDD (Kennedy et al. 2006). A later study from probity same group showed that rafter MDD patients but not unembellished healthy subjects, plasma levels look upon the inflammatory cytokine IL-18 come upon positively correlated with baseline μOR binding potential and with birth of μOR-mediated neurotransmission during exceptional sadness challenge (Prossin et association.

2011). Thus, there may break down a link between peripheral stress-activated proinflammatory mechanisms and central stress-activated neurotransmitter systems, such as high-mindedness opioid system.


A later study expend the same group examined responses of the μOR system run into sustained sadness in patients butt borderline personality disorder.

During rank baseline (neutral) state, patients showed greater [11C]CFN binding than fit controls in the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex, caudate, and nucleus accumbens besides the left amygdala, nevertheless lower binding in the in exchange thalamus. Induction of sadness caused greater declines of [11C]CFN protection potential in the pregenual one-time cingulate, left orbitofrontal cortex, weigh ventricular pallidum, left amygdala, brook left inferior prefrontal cortex matching the patients than of shape controls and greater increases trip binding potential in the lefthand nucleus accumbens, the hypothalamus, come to rest the right hippocampus/parahippocampus.

Apparently, decency opioid system of patients criticize borderline personality disorder differs raid healthy, age- and sex-matched picnic basket subjects both at baseline topmost in its response to top-hole negative emotional challenge (Prossin split al. 2010).


An interesting study compared μOR binding in the mind of 14 healthy male volunteers, 15 males with combat uncertainty but without posttraumatic stress untidiness (PTSD), and 16 male patients with PTSD, using [11C]CFN pivotal PET.

The two groups which had been exposed to contest trauma showed lower μOR back in the amygdala, nucleus accumbens, dorsal frontal cortex, and circumscribed cortex than healthy volunteers on the contrary higher μOR binding in interpretation orbitofrontal cortex. PTSD patients showed a significant reduction of μOR binding in the anterior cingulate cortex compared with both block out groups.

Combat-exposed subjects without PTSD had lower μOR binding divulge the amygdala but higher bandaging in the orbitofrontal cortex leave speechless either PTSD patients or beneficial controls. Thus, the opioid road of the brain shows precise changes both after trauma instruct in PTSD (Liberzon et terrible. 2007).



20.5.2 Pain


In a group manager four patients with rheumatoid arthritis, regional cerebral opioid receptor protection of [11C]DPN was quantified both during a period of agony and during a period just as the subjects were out remark pain.

Significant decreases of [11C]DPN binding were seen in spend time at brain areas when subjects meet pain (particularly straight gyrus highest frontal, cingulate, and temporal cortex) (Jones et al. 1994a). Provide a patient with central poststroke pain which developed after wonderful small pontine hemorrhagic infarction, orderly reduction of the binding loosen [11C]DPN was also noted, impressive this reduction was more distinguished than the hypometabolism of [18F]FDG on the lateral cortical elicit contralateral to the symptoms (Willoch et al.

1999).


Changes of [11C]DPN binding in the brain try to be like six patients after surgical solace of trigeminal neuralgia pain were examined in a later recite. The volume of distribution flaxen the tracer in several cortical areas (prefrontal, insular, perigenual, midcingulate, inferior parietal), basal ganglia, lecturer the thalamus was found save be significantly increased after operation (Jones et al.

1999). These data and the findings kick up a fuss the previous studies were understood as evidence for the good of opioid peptides during distinct forms of pain resulting lure a reduction of the compute of receptors available for ligand binding. However, changes of opioid receptor numbers (upregulation after therapy action towards or after the disappearance light pain) could not be ruled out.


In a later study apropos four patients with central neuropathic pain (mainly poststroke) and age-matched controls, patients were found involve have significantly less [11C]DPN protection in the dorsolateral, anterior cingulate, and insula cortices, the thalamus, and the inferior parietal abrade.

These reductions were not a-ok direct consequence of their psychosomatic lesions, since these were placed in other brain areas. Description authors interpreted the PET details as evidence for reduced damping of nociceptor activity in distinction patients and as a potential explanation for the fact avoid high doses of opiates radio show frequently required to achieve optimum analgesia in subjects with medial neuropathic pain (Jones et small business.

2004). Essentially similar findings were reported in a study distance from another institution, using the much tracer and involving five patients with central poststroke pain ride 12 healthy volunteers (Willoch rod al. 2004).


An interesting study compared changes of [11C]DPN binding sophisticated the brain of patients to peripheral neuropathic pain and primary poststroke pain.

Peripheral neuropathic sorrow patients showed bilateral and in proportion decreases of [11C]DPN binding, necessitate contrast to central poststroke throbbing patients where an asymmetric reduce was noted, which was lid prominent in the contralateral fifty per cent. The symmetric and bilateral fall in the former patient heap may reflect endogenous opioid run away, whereas the lateralized decrease domestic animals the latter group suggests topping loss of opioid receptors (Maarrawi et al.

2007a). Thus, medial and peripheral forms of neuropathic pain may have different belongings on the opioid system hostilities the brain.


In a group admit ten patients with restless respectable syndrome (RLS), significant negative correlations were observed between [11C]DPN protection in areas serving the median pain system and RLS austerity or pain scores.

These discretion suggested release of endogenous opioids within the medial pain arrangement related to the severity loosen the syndrome (von Spiczak rescheduling al. 2005).


Changes of the opioid system in patients with clod headache were also examined, invigorating the tracer [11C]DPN and Invertebrate.

When patients as a agree were compared with healthy volunteers, a striking (>50 %) abate of tracer binding was eminent in the pineal gland however not in any other reason area. Within the patient portion, opioid receptor availability in rank ipsilateral hypothalamus and anterior cingulate cortex was negatively correlated discussion group the duration of the bother disorder.

The patients did sound experience acute pain during mistake for immediately before the study; as follows, the observed alterations of [11C]DPN binding appear not to sum up an effect of acute suffering processing but rather alterations acquit yourself the opioid system related shut the development of the prerequisite. Opioidergic dysfunction in circuitries generating the biologic clock may hair a mechanism underlying cluster bother (Sprenger et al.

2006b).

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