Imaging nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with fluorine-18-FPH, an epibatidine analog

Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in a variety of central processes, such as learning and memory and analgesia. These receptors also mediate the reinforcing properties of nicotine in tobacco products and are increased in postmortem samples of brains of smokers. On the other hand, brains of individuals who have died from dementia of the Alzheimer type show abnormally low densities of nAChRs. In this study, the distribution and kinetics of [(±)-exo-2-(2-[18F] fluoro-5-pyridyl)-7- azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (18F-FPH), a high-affinity nAChR agonist, was evaluated in a baboon using PET. Methods: After intravenous injection of 5 mCi [185 MBq] 18F-FPH into a 25-kg anesth..