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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-12-2010 | Original Article

Levodopa and pramipexole effects on presynaptic dopamine PET markers and estimated dopamine release

Authors: Vesna Sossi, Katherine Dinelle, Michael Schulzer, Edwin Mak, Doris J. Doudet, Raúl de la Fuente-Fernández

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 12/2010

Abstract

Purpose

Levodopa and dopamine (DA) agonist therapy are two common treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is controversy about the effects of these treatments on disease progression and imaging markers. Here we used multi-tracer positron emission tomography imaging and a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD to evaluate in vivo the effects of chronic levodopa and pramipexole treatments on measurements of vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2), dopamine transporter (DAT) levels, and on levodopa-induced changes in synaptic DA levels [Δ(DA)].

Methods

Twenty-three unilaterally 6-OHDA lesioned rats underwent an ¹¹C-dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ, VMAT2 marker), an ¹¹C-methylphenidate (MP, DAT marker), and a double ¹¹C-raclopride (RAC, D₂-type receptor marker) scan. They were assigned to three treatment groups: saline (N = 7), pramipexole (N = 8), and levodopa (N = 8). After 4 weeks of treatment, imaging was repeated.

Results

Results showed (1) a significant treatment effect on DTBZ, with pramipexole decreasing DTBZ binding compared to levodopa, (2) significant side and treatment-striatal side interaction effects for MP, indicating that levodopa tends to decrease MP binding compared to pramipexole, and (3) no treatment effect on Δ(DA).

Conclusion

These data indicate that while chronic dopaminergic pharmacological treatment affects DTBZ and MP binding, it does not affect levodopa-induced changes in synaptic DA level.

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Title: Levodopa and pramipexole effects on presynaptic dopamine PET markers and estimated dopamine release
Authors: Vesna Sossi
Katherine Dinelle
Michael Schulzer
Edwin Mak
Doris J. Doudet
Raúl de la Fuente-Fernández
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 12/2010
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-010-1581-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Levodopa and pramipexole effects on presynaptic dopamine PET markers and estimated dopamine release

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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