PET Imaging for Synaptic Plasticity
(SPA PET Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how PET scans, specifically the PET Imaging Scan using [11C]UCB-J, can visualize brain cell connections (synapses) in young adults. The researchers aim to compare these scans with MRI results to better understand normal brain development and identify early signs of mental illness. Participants must be between 18 and 26 years old and already involved in the related Parent Project. Those with certain medical conditions or mental health diagnoses may not qualify. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on brain development and mental health.
What prior data suggests that PET Imaging Scan using [11C]UCB-J is safe?
Studies have shown that the PET imaging scan using [11C]UCB-J is generally safe for humans. Research indicates that this imaging method effectively measures synaptic density, or the number of connections between brain cells, and participants tolerate it well. Initial findings suggest that [11C]UCB-J, the tracer used in the scan, clears safely from the body, primarily through the liver and kidneys. No significant side effects were reported in these studies, indicating its safety for human use. This makes it a promising tool for understanding brain development and related conditions.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the PET Imaging Scan using [11C]UCB-J because it offers a novel way to visualize synaptic plasticity in the brain. Unlike traditional imaging methods that primarily observe structural aspects of the brain, this PET scan targets the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), providing a direct look at synaptic density and activity. This unique ability to capture real-time changes in synaptic connections could revolutionize our understanding of various neurological conditions, potentially leading to more targeted and effective treatments in the future.
What evidence suggests that PET Imaging Scan using [11C]UCB-J is effective for assessing synaptic plasticity?
Research has shown that PET imaging with [11C]UCB-J can accurately measure the number of connections in the brain. Studies have found that this imaging method can detect changes in these connections, which are crucial for understanding brain health. For instance, PET scans in people with autism have revealed fewer connections in certain brain areas. The tracer [11C]UCB-J binds to a specific protein in these connections, allowing researchers to see them clearly. This makes it a valuable tool for studying brain development and identifying potential issues in mental health conditions. Participants in this trial may choose to undergo a PET scan using [11C]UCB-J as part of the PET imaging supplemental project.24678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Beatriz Luna, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
PET Imaging
Participants undergo a single PET scan to measure synaptic density using the tracer [11C]UCB-J
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the PET scan
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- PET Imaging Scan using [11C]UCB-J
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Adult participants enrolled in the parent study, will be given the option to be a part of the PET imaging supplemental project. Maximum enrollment is 60 adult participants. Interested participants will be consented into the PET portion, and will have a single PET scan (as outlined in the Study Description section).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Beatriz Luna
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Citations
Evaluation of [11C]UCB-A positron emission tomography in ...
This paper reports the first-in-human [ 11 C]UCB-A PET study to characterise its kinetics in healthy subjects and further evaluate SV2A-specific binding.
A longitudinal pilot study with PET-MR 11C-UCB-J imaging in ...
This study aimed to validate preclinical synaptogenesis findings after ECS by utilizing in vivo synaptic density imaging, to detect ECT induced ...
Effects of Adolescent Synaptic Pruning (SPA PET)
This study will use the PET tracer [11C]UCB-J which provides a direct measure of synaptic density, in conjunction with previously acquired ultra ...
In Vivo Synaptic Density Imaging with 11 C-UCB-J Detects ...
Conclusion: On the basis of the 11C-UCB-J PET results, hippocampal synaptic density was lower in APP/PS1 mice than in WT mice at baseline, and ...
11C-UCB-J PET imaging is consistent with lower synaptic ...
The first in vivo investigation of synaptic density in autism with PET reveals pervasive and large-scale lower density in the cortex and across multiple brain ...
Feasibility of imaging synaptic density in the human spinal ...
The current study suggests that PET imaging with [11C]UCB-J is a feasible way to measure synaptic density by SV2A in the human spinal cord.
Partial volume correction analysis for 11 C-UCB-J PET ...
11C-UCB-J PET imaging, targeting synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), has been shown to be a useful indicator of synaptic density in Alzheimer's disease ...
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neurologyadvisor.com
neurologyadvisor.com/news/pet-imaging-extrastriatal-11cucbj-detect-changes-early-huntington-disease/PET With 11C-UCB-J Detects Extrastriatal Changes in ...
PET imaging with 11C-UCB-J was more sensitive in the detection of extrastriatal changes in early Huntington disease compared with ...
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