Studies Report that the New Use of PET Scan Radiotracer May Help Identify Early Signs of MS Progression


Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that damages the central nervous system, thus disrupting communication between the brain and spinal cord. A radiotracer called [F-18] PBR06 can detect changes in brain matter through positron emission tomography (PET). [F-18]PBR06 has the potential to detect the disease before patients show any symptoms giving doctors the ability to treat the condition.

MS progression’s identity procedures

·         Some patients may show signs of the disorder, though in most cases, the doctors will suspect the presence of the disease and order for tests. [F-18] PBR06 is used to image the patient and give insights into neurodegeneration and inflammations. MS progression will interfere with the signal connecting white matter of the brain. The disability is caused by differences in grey matter, specifically through activation of microglia. Microglia is the central nervous system's immune cells.

·         The radiotracer uncovers evidence of inflammation in the white matter of the brain, which progresses to the grey matter. In phase two of the research, [F-18] PBR06 is introduced. It measures the activation of microglia in the grey matter of MS patients using PET imaging. PET measures tissues' metabolism using radioactive materials, unique cameras, and a computer to evaluate body organs and tissues' functionality.

·         [F-18]PBR06 targets 18-kDa-translocator protein (TSPO) found in microglia and macrophages to mark inflammation. This shows high image quality, better discrimination of real signals for better detection. Studies show that activation of microglia in grey matter is high in MS patients brains than those of healthy people.

The brain controls various body processes which are affected by MS progressions such as emotion, cognition, and memory. Individuals with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) have high microglial activation in the thalamus that relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. They also have healthy controls. Since microglial activation is like a physical disability, the use of technology is effective in detecting and developing techniques for treatment.
Location: Irving, TX, USA

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