Pharmacological Characterization of [18F]-FNM and Evaluation of NMDA Receptors Activation in a Rat Brain Injury Model

PurposeNMDA receptors (NMDARs) dysfunction plays a central role in the physiopathology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders whose mechanisms are still poorly understood. The development of a PET (positron emission tomography) tracer able to selectively bind to the NMDARs intra-channel PCP site may make it possible to visualize NMDARs in an open and active state. We describe the in vitro pharmacological characterization of [F-18]-fluoroethylnormemantine ([F-18]-FNM) and evaluate its ability to localize activated NMDA receptors in a rat preclinical model of excitotoxicity.ProceduresThe affinity of the non-radioactive analog for the intra-channel PCP site was determined in a radioligand competition assay using [H-3]TCP ([H-3]N-(1-[thienyl]cyclohexyl)piperidine) on rat brain homogenates. Selectivity was also investigated by the displacement of specific radioligands targeting various cerebral receptors. In vivo brain lesions were performed using stereotaxic quinolinic acid (QA) injections in the left motor area (M1) of seven Sprague Dawley rats. Each rat was imaged with a microPET/CT camera, 40 min after receiving a dose of 30 MBq + / - 20 of [F-18]-FNM, 24 and 72 h after injury. Nine non-injured rats were also imaged using the same protocol.ResultsFNM displayed IC50 value of 13.0 +/- 8.9 mu M in rat forebrain homogenates but also showed significant bindings on opioid receptors. In the frontal and left somatosensory areas, [F-18]FNM PET detected a mean of 37% and 41% increase in [F-18]FNM uptake (p < 0,0001) 24 and 72 h after QA stereotaxic injection, respectively, compared to the control group.ConclusionsIn spite of FNM's poor affinity for NMDAR PCP site, this study supports the ability of this tracer to track massive activation of NMDARs in neurological diseases.

Automated summary

Dysfunction of NMDA receptors is central to the pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, but its mechanisms are not well understood. This study describes the development of a PET tracer that can selectively bind to the NMDA receptors and visualize them in an open and active state. It also demonstrates the tracer's ability to detect activated NMDA receptors in a rat model of excitotoxicity.