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PET Scans
One of the more interesting and useful approaches to radioisotope use in medicine
is positron emission tomography (PET) , often referred to as a PET scan. This
technique is especially useful in studying the processes in the brain. Many
compounds do not enter the brain because of what is called the “ blood-brain
barrier ,” a filtering system to block material from being transported into brain
tissue. This mechanism serves to protect the brain from a wide variety of harmful
substances.

In order to get a good picture of what is happening in the brain, radiolabels are
attached to different compounds that will enter the brain. Since the brain uses
about 25% of the glucose found in the body, this molecule is often labeled with a
positron emitter such as F-18 (half-life of 109.8 minutes) to study brain function
in general. Other labels are attached to specific compounds that will localize in
certain areas of the brain to look at specific structures.

Positron emission scanner

Figure 1. Scanner used to detect positron emissions.
[Image 173.jpg]

The PET scanner detects gamma emissions from the collision of a positron with an
electron (see Figure 1). As the positron is released from the nucleus of the atom,
it will collide with an electron. This meeting of matter (electron) with antimatter
(positron) results in annihilation of both particles and the release of two gamma
emissions that are 180° apart from one another. The apparatus detects these gamma
rays and stores the data in a computer. From this information, a detailed picture
of the brain can be developed.

One useful application of PET scanning is in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

This debilitating memory loss condition primarily occurs in elderly individuals. A
protein known as beta-amyloid gradually forms deposits in the brain called plaque.
Memory loss and impaired movement are the result of the plaque growth.

The compound known as Pittsburgh compound B is often used to identify areas of

plaque in the brain. The radiolabel is C-11 (half-life is 20.38 minutes).

Structure of Pittsburgh compound B, which is used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s

disease

Figure 2. Pittsburgh compound B used in diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

[Image 175.jpg]

Brain scans using Pittsburgh compound B

The label attaches to plaque and can be observed using PET scans.
Figure 3. Brain scans using Pittsburgh compound B to locate plaque.
[Image 172.jpg]

The computer translates the amount of isotope into a color scale, with red
indicating a high level of radioactivity and yellow indicating somewhat less
activity. We can see from the scans that the cognitively healthy individual shows
the presence of very little plaque in the brain (see Figure 3). The individual with
Alzheimer’s demonstrates high concentrations of the beta-amyloid in numerous areas
of the brain.
Other studies have been done looking at brain function in drug addicts. One of the
theories about drug addiction involves the amount of dopamine action in the brain
(a chemical that is a part of the system to transport nerve impulses). Studies of
dopamine action have been helpful in understanding addictive processes