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Reid VJM, McLoughlin WKX, Pandya K, Stott H, Iškauskienė M, Šačkus A, Marti JA, Kurian D, Wishart TM, Lucatelli C, Peters D, Gray GA, Baker AH, Newby DE, Hadoke PWF, Tavares AAS, MacAskill MG. Assessment of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor as an imaging marker of cardiac repair-associated processes using NS14490. EJNMMI Res 2024; 14:7. [PMID: 38206500 PMCID: PMC10784260 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-023-01058-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac repair and remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) is a multifactorial process involving pro-reparative inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis. Noninvasive imaging using a radiotracer targeting these processes could be used to elucidate cardiac wound healing mechanisms. The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (ɑ7nAChR) stimulates pro-reparative macrophage activity and angiogenesis, making it a potential imaging biomarker in this context. We investigated this by assessing in vitro cellular expression of ɑ7nAChR, and by using a tritiated version of the PET radiotracer [18F]NS14490 in tissue autoradiography studies. RESULTS ɑ7nAChR expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages and vascular cells showed the highest relative expression was within macrophages, but only endothelial cells exhibited a proliferation and hypoxia-driven increase in expression. Using a mouse model of inflammatory angiogenesis following sponge implantation, specific binding of [3H]NS14490 increased from 3.6 ± 0.2 µCi/g at day 3 post-implantation to 4.9 ± 0.2 µCi/g at day 7 (n = 4, P < 0.01), followed by a reduction at days 14 and 21. This peak matched the onset of vessel formation, macrophage infiltration and sponge fibrovascular encapsulation. In a rat MI model, specific binding of [3H]NS14490 was low in sham and remote MI myocardium. Specific binding within the infarct increased from day 14 post-MI (33.8 ± 14.1 µCi/g, P ≤ 0.01 versus sham), peaking at day 28 (48.9 ± 5.1 µCi/g, P ≤ 0.0001 versus sham). Histological and proteomic profiling of ɑ7nAChR positive tissue revealed strong associations between ɑ7nAChR and extracellular matrix deposition, and rat cardiac fibroblasts expressed ɑ7nAChR protein under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSION ɑ7nAChR is highly expressed in human macrophages and showed proliferation and hypoxia-driven expression in human endothelial cells. While NS14490 imaging displays a pattern that coincides with vessel formation, macrophage infiltration and fibrovascular encapsulation in the sponge model, this is not the case in the MI model where the ɑ7nAChR imaging signal was strongly associated with extracellular matrix deposition which could be explained by ɑ7nAChR expression in fibroblasts. Overall, these findings support the involvement of ɑ7nAChR across several processes central to cardiac repair, with fibrosis most closely associated with ɑ7nAChR following MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J M Reid
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Kalyani Pandya
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Holly Stott
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Monika Iškauskienė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Algirdas Šačkus
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Judit A Marti
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dominic Kurian
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas M Wishart
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Dan Peters
- DanPET AB, Malmo, Sweden
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gillian A Gray
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David E Newby
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Patrick W F Hadoke
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adriana A S Tavares
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark G MacAskill
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Edinburgh Imaging, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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2
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Zhang JJ, Fu H, Lin R, Zhou J, Haider A, Fang W, Elghazawy NH, Rong J, Chen J, Li Y, Ran C, Collier TL, Chen Z, Liang SH. Imaging Cholinergic Receptors in the Brain by Positron Emission Tomography. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10889-10916. [PMID: 37583063 PMCID: PMC10461233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic receptors represent a promising class of diagnostic and therapeutic targets due to their significant involvement in cognitive decline associated with neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cardiovascular impairment. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive molecular imaging tool that has helped to shed light on the roles these receptors play in disease development and their diverse functions throughout the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, there has been a notable advancement in the development of PET probes targeting cholinergic receptors. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in the development of these PET probes for cholinergic receptors with a specific focus on ligand structure, radiochemistry, and pharmacology as well as in vivo performance and applications in neuroimaging. The review covers the structural design, pharmacological properties, radiosynthesis approaches, and preclinical and clinical evaluations of current state-of-the-art PET probes for cholinergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Zhang
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Hualong Fu
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Key
Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College
of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ruofan Lin
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jingyin Zhou
- Key
Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College
of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Weiwei Fang
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Nehal H. Elghazawy
- Department
of Pharmaceutical, Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jian Rong
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yinlong Li
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Chongzhao Ran
- Athinoula
A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Thomas L. Collier
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Zhen Chen
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Steven H. Liang
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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3
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Wang D, Yao Y, Wang S, Zhang H, He ZX. The Availability of the α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Early Identification of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques: A Study Using a Novel 18F-Label Radioligand PET. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:640037. [PMID: 33777911 PMCID: PMC7994753 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.640037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It has been confirmed that the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) is an important target for identifying vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Previously, we successfully designed and synthesized a series of 18F-labeled PET molecular probes targeting α7nAChR, which are mainly used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Based on the characteristics of α7nAChR in blood vessels, we have firstly screened for a suitable novel 18F-labeled PET molecular probe ([18F]YLF-DW), with high selectivity for α7nAChR over α4β2nAChR and a good effect for the imaging of atherosclerotic animal models, to effectively identify vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques at an early stage. Meanwhile, we compared it with the “gold standard” pathological examination of atherosclerosis, to verify the reliability of [18F]YLF-DW in early diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Methods: The vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques model of ApoE-/-mice were successfully established. Then based on the methods of 3D-QSAR and molecular docking, we designed oxazolo[4,5-b] pyridines and fluorenone compounds, which are targeted at α7nAChR. Through further screening, a novel alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor radioligand ([18F]YLF-DW) was synthesized and automatically 18F-labeled using a Stynthra RNplus module. Subsequently, we employed [18F]YLF-DW for the targeting of α7nAChR in atherosclerotic plaques and control group, using a micro-PET/CT respectively. After imaging, the mice were sacrificed by air embolism and the carotid arteries taken out for making circular sections. The paraffin embedded specimens were sectioned with 5 μm thickness and stained with oil red. After staining, immunohistochemistry experiment was carried out to verify the effect of micro-PET/CT imaging. Results: The micro-PET/CT imaging successfully identified the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries of ApoE-/-mice; whereas, no signal was observed in normal control mice. In addition, compared with the traditional imaging agent [18F]FDG, [18F]YLF-DW had a significant effect on the early plaques imaging of carotid atherosclerosis. The results of oil red staining and immunohistochemistry also showed early formations of carotid plaques in ApoE-/-mice and provided pathological bases for the evaluation of imaging effect. Conclusion: We innovated to apply the novel molecular probe ([18F]YLF-DW) to the identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries, to detect atherosclerosis early inflammatory response and provide powerful input for the early diagnosis of atherosclerotic lesions, which may play an early warning role in cardiovascular acute events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Huabei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuo-Xiang He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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4
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MacAskill MG, Newby DE, Tavares AAS. Frontiers in positron emission tomography imaging of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 115:1952-1962. [PMID: 31233100 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques leading to an atherothrombotic event is the primary driver of myocardial infarction and stroke. The ability to detect non-invasively the presence and evolution of vulnerable plaques could have a huge impact on the future identification and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with an appropriate radiotracer has the potential to achieve this goal. This review will discuss the biological hallmarks of plaque vulnerability before going on to evaluate and to present PET imaging approaches which target these processes. The focus of this review will be on techniques beyond [18F]FDG imaging, some of which are clinically advanced, and others which are on the horizon. As inflammation is the primary driving force behind atherosclerotic plaque development, we will predominantly focus on approaches which either directly, or indirectly, target this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark G MacAskill
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David E Newby
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adriana A S Tavares
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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5
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Abstract
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) acts as an autocrine growth factor for human lung cancer. Several lines of evidence show that lung cancer cells express all of the proteins required for the uptake of choline (choline transporter 1, choline transporter-like proteins) synthesis of ACh (choline acetyltransferase, carnitine acetyltransferase), transport of ACh (vesicular acetylcholine transport, OCTs, OCTNs) and degradation of ACh (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase). The released ACh binds back to nicotinic (nAChRs) and muscarinic receptors on lung cancer cells to accelerate their proliferation, migration and invasion. Out of all components of the cholinergic pathway, the nAChR-signaling has been studied the most intensely. The reason for this trend is due to genome-wide data studies showing that nicotinic receptor subtypes are involved in lung cancer risk, the relationship between cigarette smoke and lung cancer risk as well as the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes considered by many as a "safe" alternative to smoking. There are a small number of articles which review the contribution of the other cholinergic proteins in the pathophysiology of lung cancer. The primary objective of this review article is to discuss the function of the acetylcholine-signaling proteins in the progression of lung cancer. The investigation of the role of cholinergic network in lung cancer will pave the way to novel molecular targets and drugs in this lethal malignancy.
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6
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Martín A, Domercq M, Matute C. Inflammation in stroke: the role of cholinergic, purinergic and glutamatergic signaling. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418774267. [PMID: 29774059 PMCID: PMC5949933 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418774267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory response is a major factor in stroke pathophysiology and contributes to secondary neuronal damage in both acute and chronic stages of the ischemic injury. Recent work in experimental cerebral ischemia has demonstrated the involvement of neurotransmitter signaling in the modulation of neuroinflammation. The present review discusses recent findings on the therapeutic potential and diagnostic perspectives of cholinergic, purinergic and glutamatergic receptors and transporters in experimental stroke. It provides evidence of the role of neurotransmission signaling as a promising inflammatory biomarker in stroke. Finally, recent molecular imaging studies using positron emission tomography of cholinergic receptors and glutamatergic transporters are outlined along with their potential as novel anti-inflammatory therapy to reduce the outcome of cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Martín
- Experimental Molecular Imaging, Molecular Imaging Unit, CIC biomaGUNE, Pº Miramon 182, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - María Domercq
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country, Barrio Sarriena s/n, Leioa, Spain Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience-UPV/EHU, Zamudio, Spain Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Leioa, Spain
| | - Carlos Matute
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country, Barrio Sarriena s/n, Leioa, Spain Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience-UPV/EHU, Zamudio, Spain Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Leioa, Spain
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7
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Evans NR, Tarkin JM, Buscombe JR, Markus HS, Rudd JHF, Warburton EA. PET imaging of the neurovascular interface in cerebrovascular disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2017; 13:676-688. [PMID: 28984315 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2017.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease encompasses a range of pathologies that affect different components of the cerebral vasculature and brain parenchyma. Large artery atherosclerosis, acute cerebral ischaemia, and intracerebral small vessel disease all demonstrate altered metabolic processes that are key to their pathogenesis. Although structural imaging techniques such as MRI are the mainstay of clinical care and research in cerebrovascular disease, they have limited ability to detect these pathophysiological processes in vivo. By contrast, PET can detect and quantify metabolic processes that are relevant to each facet of cerebrovascular disease. Information obtained from PET studies has helped to shape the understanding of key concepts in cerebrovascular medicine, including vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, salvageable ischaemic penumbra, neuroinflammation and selective neuronal loss after ischaemic insult. PET has also helped to elucidate the relationships between chronic hypoxia, neuroinflammation, and amyloid-β deposition in cerebral small vessel disease. This Review describes how PET-based imaging of metabolic processes at the neurovascular interface has contributed to our understanding of cerebrovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Evans
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Box 83, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jason M Tarkin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - John R Buscombe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Box 219, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Hugh S Markus
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Box 83, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - James H F Rudd
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Warburton
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Box 83, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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8
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Potential of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor PET imaging in atherosclerosis. Methods 2017; 130:90-104. [PMID: 28602809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic events are usually acute and often strike otherwise asymptomatic patients. Although multiple clinical risk factors have been associated with atherosclerosis, as of yet no further individual prediction can be made as to who will suffer from its consequences based on biomarker analysis or traditional imaging methods like CT, MRI or angiography. Previously, non-invasive imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET was shown to potentially fill this niche as it offers high sensitive detection of metabolic processes associated with inflammatory changes in atherosclerotic plaques. However, 18F-FDG PET imaging of arterial vessels suffers from non-specificity and has still to be proven to reliably identify vulnerable plaques, carrying a high risk of rupture. Therefore, it may be regarded only as a secondary marker for monitoring treatment effects and it does not offer alternative treatment options or direct insight in treatment mechanisms. In this review, an overview is given of the current status and the potential of PET imaging of inflammation and angiogenesis in atherosclerosis in general and special emphasis is given to imaging of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs). Due to the gaps that still exist in our understanding of atherogenesis and the limitations of the available PET tracers, the search continues for a more specific radioligand, able to differentiate between stable atherosclerosis and plaques prone to rupture. The potential role of the α7 nAChR as imaging marker for plaque vulnerability is explored. Today, strong evidence exists that nAChRs are involved in the atherosclerotic disease process. They are suggested to mediate the deleterious effects of the major tobacco component, nicotine, a nAChR agonist. Mainly based on in vitro data, α7 nAChR stimulation might increase plaque burden via increased neovascularization. However, in animal studies, α7 nAChR manipulation appears to reduce plaque size due to its inhibitory effects on inflammatory cells. Thus, reliable identification of α7 nAChRs by in vivo imaging is crucial to investigate the exact role of α7 nAChR in atherosclerosis before any therapeutic approach in the human setting can be justified. In this review, we discuss the first experience with α7 nAChR PET tracers and developmental considerations regarding the "optimal" PET tracer to image vascular nAChRs.
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9
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Rötering S, Scheunemann M, Günther R, Löser R, Hiller A, Dan Peters, Brust P, Fischer S, Steinbach J. Tos-Nos-Mos: Synthesis of different aryl sulfonate precursors for the radiosynthesis of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor radioligand [18F]NS14490. Appl Radiat Isot 2016; 114:57-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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10
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Abstract
During the past years, non-neuronal vascular nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) increasingly have gained interest in cardiovascular research, as they are known to mediate the deleterious effects of nicotine and nitrosamines, components of tobacco smoke, on the vasculature. Because smoking is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, it is obvious that understanding the pathophysiologic role of nAChRs in the atherosclerotic disease process, as well as in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic nAChR-related options, has become more important. Accordingly, we briefly summarize the pathophysiologic role of vascular nAChRs in the atherosclerotic disease process. We also provide an overview of currently available nAChR positron emission tomography (PET) tracers and their performance in the noninvasive imaging of vascular nAChRs, as well as potential nAChR PET tracers that might be an option for vascular nAChR PET imaging in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bauwens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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11
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Wenzel B, Mollitor J, Deuther-Conrad W, Dukic-Stefanovic S, Kranz M, Vraka C, Teodoro R, Günther R, Donat CK, Ludwig FA, Fischer S, Smits R, Wadsak W, Mitterhauser M, Steinbach J, Hoepping A, Brust P. Development of a Novel Nonpeptidic 18F-Labeled Radiotracer for in Vivo Imaging of Oxytocin Receptors with Positron Emission Tomography. J Med Chem 2016; 59:1800-17. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Wenzel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Mollitor
- ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds GmbH, 01454 Radeberg, Germany
| | - Winnie Deuther-Conrad
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sladjana Dukic-Stefanovic
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mathias Kranz
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chrysoula Vraka
- Radiopharmacy
and Experimental Nuclear Medicine, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrigo Teodoro
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Günther
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelius K. Donat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Friedrich-Alexander Ludwig
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffen Fischer
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rene Smits
- ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds GmbH, 01454 Radeberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wadsak
- Radiopharmacy
and Experimental Nuclear Medicine, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Radiopharmacy
and Experimental Nuclear Medicine, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Steinbach
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Peter Brust
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Research Site Leipzig, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals,, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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Bertrand D, Lee CHL, Flood D, Marger F, Donnelly-Roberts D. Therapeutic Potential of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:1025-73. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.113.008581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Wallace TL, Bertrand D. Neuronal α7 Nicotinic Receptors as a Target for the Treatment of Schizophrenia. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 124:79-111. [PMID: 26472526 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a lifelong disease, the burden of which is often underestimated. Characterized by positive (e.g., hallucinations) and negative (e.g., avolition, amotivation) symptoms, schizophrenia is also accompanied with profound impairments in cognitive function that progress throughout the development of the disease. Although treatment with antipsychotic medications can effectively dampen some of the positive symptoms, these medications largely fail to reverse cognitive deficits or to mitigate negative symptoms. With a worldwide prevalence of approximately 1%, schizophrenia remains a large unmet medical need that stands to benefit greatly from (1) continued research to better understand the biological underpinnings of the disease and (2) the targeted development of novel therapeutics to improve the lives of those affected individuals. Improvements in our understanding of the neuronal networks associated with schizophrenia as well as progress in identifying genetic risk factors and environmental conditions that may predispose individuals to developing the disease are advancing new strategies to study and treat it. Herein, we review the evidence that supports the role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system and why these receptors constitute a promising target to treat some of the prominent symptoms of schizophrenia.
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Ouchi Y. [PET imaging of α7 nicotinic receptor]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2015; 145:266-267. [PMID: 25958915 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.145.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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