Synaptic loss in MSA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular Imaging of Synaptic loss in Multiple System Atrophy
IRAS ID
278275
Contact name
Marios Politis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, for which unfortunately there is no cure yet. It is known from pathological studies that the synapses (the terminal parts of the neurons) are affected in this disease, but we don't know how, and how much this happens. An imaging tool called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can study the integrity of the synapses by the use of a dedicated tracer, called [11C]UCB-J. In this study we would like to study how, and how early, the synapse deteriorate in patients with MSA.
We will enroll patients with the MSA-P form of disease, from specialistic centres across the south of UK. We will ask to come for a clinical visit with questionnaires and scales for motor and cognitive symptoms. Then, participants will come for a [11C]UCB-J PET scan, a [18F]FDG PET scan, to check the metabolism of the brain, and a MRI scan, to help the analysis of the PET. We will also ask to perform a Lumbar puncture for a cerebrospinal fluid draw. This procedure will be optional.
The results will help in understanding better the mechanisms underlying this disease and open new avenues for its treatment.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/1069
Date of REC Opinion
26 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion