Pilot PET study of regional cerebral protein synthesis in Alzheimer’s

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Pilot PET study of regional cerebral protein synthesis in Alzheimer’s disease

  • IRAS ID

    200360

  • Contact name

    Karl Herholz

  • Contact email

    karl.herholz@manchester.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Manchester

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 11 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    Summary of Research
    Measuring the rate of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) may enable us to better-understand the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This study is using a new method of measuring rCPS non-invasively, and to offer new approaches to the assessment of new therapeutic strategies in clinical trials. \n\nPrevious studies have established the utility of [11C]-Leucine PET to assess the rCPS. This study will use [llC]-Leucine PET to measure rCPS in AD patients versus age-matched and young healthy subjects to determine whether a measurable difference exists. \n\nThe study will involve participants receiving up to two PET scans, a structural MRI scan. The PET scanning procedures will involve some withdrawal of blood samples.\n\nThe ultimate goal of this proposal is to indicate new routes for treatment of AD.

    Summary of Results
    In summary, our pilot study demonstrated that regional brain protein synthesis can be measured with 11C-leucine PET in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. While our study was too small to detect significant differences compared to controls, the parietal lobe of some patients showed a tendency towards impairment.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/NW/0705

  • Date of REC Opinion

    16 Dec 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion