Mouse - ¹⁸F-FDG & ¹²⁴I-Peptide Imaging:

Dual tracer studies of ¹⁸F and ¹²⁴I are performed in cohorts of nude mice injected with tumor cells in the lung. FDG is a glucose analog showing regions of enhanced glucose metabolism such as in the brain and heart, as well as rapidly-growing tumors. The image on the left shows FDG uptake in two nude mice injected with lung cancer cells 4-5 hours after administration of the radiotracer. The image on the right uses ¹²⁴I which has a half life of 4.5 days in comparison to that of 110 minutes for ¹⁸F. Repeat PET studies may then be performed on the same cohort of mice in order to determine clearance rates and pharmacokinetics of various radiolabeled drug compounds.

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Rat - ¹¹C-Butanol Stroke Imaging:

¹¹C-Butanol is a radiotracer used for perfusion studies. It has similar properties to ¹⁵O-H₂O, which is the gold standard for measuring cerebral blood flow. However, ¹¹C-Butanol diffuses into the tissue faster making it ideal for imaging small animals with high flow rates. Pharmacokinetic modeling will allow estimates of cerebral blood flow which will then be compared with those estimates determined using MRI as shown above. Localization of PET perfusion deficits in the region of infarct and the ischemic penumbra are also possible via image fusion software.

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Primate - ¹¹C-Raclopride Imaging:

¹¹C-Raclopride is a dopamine antagonist that acts on D₂ and D₃ receptors. The majority of these receptors are located in the basal ganglia, which can be clearly seen in these images. This study in primates examines the effect of various opiates on the dopamine receptor areas of the brain. The close proximity of the production, radiochemistry and imaging facilities at CBIC allow synthesis and imaging of a 20 minute half life radiolabeled pharmaceutical to occur without loss of product due to decay.

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