Ace Therapeutics can provide real-time in vivo imaging via single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to measure brain perfusion, inflammation and the biodistribution of novel compounds or cells. We are committed to providing you with new insights in the elucidation of the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and the development of antipsychotic drugs.

Introduction of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in Psychiatry

Molecular imaging is important for understanding the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. SPECT is a technique used to quantify molecular interactions, biological processes, and protein concentrations and distributions for three-dimensional assessment of regional cerebral blood flow. The preclinical utility of SPECT in neuropsychiatry is well established, and research on its application in primary psychiatric disorders has been progressing. For example, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies examining neurotransmitters in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), yet the underlying and contributing mechanisms of ASD are largely unidentified. The discovery of biochemical endophenotypes will represent a milestone in autism research and may lead to the stratification of ASD subtypes and the development of novel therapeutic agents. SPECT studies have provided sensitive functional brain findings and have contributed significantly to the understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD.

Fig. 1 SPECT provides quantitative imaging results of mouse brain research in dopaminergic system. (Franc BL, et al., 2008)

SPECT Services

Ace Therapeutics performs SPECT imaging of rodent models of disease by gamma radiation. We typically combine SPECT with CT scanning and PET imaging to generate quantifiable data on anti-psychotic drug binding and brain function. Our comprehensive portfolio of imaging capabilities supports a multimodal approach to measuring changes in brain structure and function in models of psychiatric disorders and treatment efficacy studies. We are committed to providing you with important insights into neurotransmitter receptors and their occupancy by neurotransmitters or drugs through SPECT technology.

How SPECT Works?

Gamma ray photons emitted from internally distributed radiopharmaceuticals penetrate the animal's body and are detected by a single or a group of collimated radiation detectors. Most detectors used in current SPECT systems are based on single or multiple NaI scintillation detectors. In SPECT, projection data are acquired from different views around the animal.

What Can We Help You Achieve in Psychiatry with SPECT?

• Providing a three-dimensional functional image of the brain
• Studying focal functions observed in the prefrontal lobe, cingulate gyrus, superior temporal gyrus and medial temporal lobe
• Observing changes in local cerebral blood flow and alterations in the serotonergic system
• Detecting blood-brain barrier breakdown and brain tissue damage
• Testing the effects of compounds on brain function in various anxiety disorders
• Studying the functional role of serotonin self-receptors
• Analyzing the condition of the striatum
• Studying the competitive binding affinity of presynaptic dopamine transporter proteins in the mammalian brain

Ace Therapeutics typically combines SPECT with PET imaging and CT to obtain complete anatomical, physiological and functional images of the central nervous system. In addition, we can achieve imaging of the same animal at different time points to assess underlying biological processes and elucidate the role of neurotransmitter receptors in various neuropsychiatric disorders. If you are interested in SPECT testing, please feel free to make an inquiry and we will be happy to assist you.

Reference

1. Franc BL, et al. Small-animal SPECT and SPECT/CT: important tools for preclinical investigation. J Nucl Med. 2008, 49(10):1651-1663.