Imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and g-scintigraphy offer unique opportunities for biomedical research. Because the in vivo tissue distribution of radiotracers is reconstructed by imaging equipment, this methodology permits the noninvasive study of physiological function (metabolism, pharmacology) rather than anatomical structure only, as is the case for MRI or CAT scanning. Moreover, due to the noninvasive nature of these modalities, application to human subjects is possible, and serial studies can be repeated on the same individual.
This laboratory emphasizes the development, evaluation and application of new radiopharmaceutical probes for study of physiology and pathophysiology. Rapid synthetic techniques are applied to the production of biochemicals and pharmacologically active structures. New derivatives are compared with standard compounds of known activity using in vitro techniques such as receptor-binding assays, or ex vivo biodistribution methods involving dissection. Metabolism of these tracers is an additional concern and is examined via in vitro or in vivo experiments. Promising radiopharmaceuticals are further evaluated by noninvasive imaging of large animal subjects, which includes modeling of tracer kinetics and quantification of physiological processes in vivo.
A major goal of this research is to implement radiopharmaceuticals that have utility for clinical research with human subjects and may impact routine delivery of health care. Current areas of interest are radiotracers for in vivo study of neuroreceptor systems and cerebral perfusion.
Research Publications
Racette BA, Antenor JA, McGee-Minnich L, Moerlein SM, Videen TO, Kotagal V, Perlmutter JS (2005 Apr). [18F]FDOPA PET and clinical features in parkinsonism due to manganism. Mov Disord. 20 (4): 492-6. Full Article >
Racette BA, Esper GJ, Antenor J, Black KJ, Burkey A, Moerlein SM, Videen TO, Kotagal V, Ojemann JG, Perlmutter JS (2004 Nov). Pathophysiology of parkinsonism due to hydrocephalus. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 75 (11): 1617-9. Full Article >
Sheline YI, Mintun MA, Barch DM, Wilkins C, Snyder AZ, Moerlein SM (2004 Dec). Decreased hippocampal 5-HT(2A) receptor binding in older depressed patients using [18F]altanserin positron emission tomography. Neuropsychopharmacology. 29 (12): 2235-41. Full Article >
Mintun MA, Sheline YI, Moerlein SM, Vlassenko AG, Huang Y, Snyder AZ (2004 Feb 1). Decreased hippocampal 5-HT2A receptor binding in major depressive disorder: in vivo measurement with [18F]altanserin positron emission tomography. Biol Psychiatry. 55 (3): 217-24. Full Article >
Moerlein SM, Gaehle GG, Welch MJ (2002 Jul). Robotic preparation of Sodium Acetate C 11 Injection for use in clinical PET. Nucl Med Biol. 29 (5): 613-21. Full Article >
Perlmutter JS, Stambuk MK, Markham J, et al. Decreased [18F]spiperone binding in putamen in idiopathic focal dystonia. J Neurosci 1997 17:843-859.
Contact Info
Stephen Moerlein, Ph.D.
Office Location: 4460 Clinical Sciences Bld.g
Office Phone: 314-362-8466
Campus Box: 8225
Fax: 314-362-9940
moerleins@mir.wustl.edu
