Estimation of regional cerebral utilization of [11C]-L-3, 4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (DOPA) in the primate by positron emission tomography

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Abstract
Tedroff J, Aquilonius S‐M, Hartvig P, Lundqvist H, Bjurling P, Långström B. Estimation of regional cerebral utilization of [11C]‐L‐3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenylalanine (DOPA) in the primate by positron emission tomography. Acta Neurol. Scand 1992: 85: 166‐173. The intracerebral kinetics of [11C]‐labelled L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, L‐DOPA, was investigated in rhesus monkeys by positron emission tomography (PET). Through the labelling of the L‐DOPA molecule in different positions and observation of a series of pharmacological challenges it was possible to establish that the kinetic conversion of the radiotracer in the striatum represents the process of decarboxylation to [11C]‐labelled dopamine. The rate constant for this process can be estimated using a two‐compartment model. The use of [11C]‐L‐DOPA and PET will thus provide a possibility for in vivo studies of blood‐brain barrier transport of the amino acid as well as for the estimation of the ability for brain tissue to decarboxylate the tracer by the action of aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase.