Nucl Med Mol Imaging.  2007 Apr;41(2):112-117.

beta-Amyloid Imaging Probes

• Jeong JM

Abstract

Imaging distribution of beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease is very important for early and accurate diagnosis. Early trial of the beta-amyloid plaques includes using radiolabeled peptides which can be only applied for peripheral beta-amyloid plaques due to limited penetration through the blood brain barrier (BBB). Congo red or Chrysamine G derivatives were labeled with Tc-99m for imaging beta-amyloid plaques of Alzheimer patient's brain without success due to problem with BBB penetration. Thioflavin T derivatives gave breakthrough for beta-amyloid imaging in vivo, and a benzothiazole derivative [C-11]6-OH-BTA-1 brought a great success. Many other benzothiazole, benzoxazole, benzofuran, imidazopyridine, and styrylbenzene derivatives have been labeled with F-18 and I-123 to improve the imaging quality. However, [C-11]6-OH-BTA-1 still remains as the best. However, short half-life of C-11 is a limitation of wide distribution of this agent. So, it is still required to develop an Tc-99m, F-18 or I-123 labeled agent for beta-amyloid imaging agent.

Keyword

beta-amyloid; alzheimer's; disease; PET

MeSH Terms

Alzheimer Disease
Blood-Brain Barrier
Brain
Congo Red
Diagnosis
Half-Life
Peptides
Congo Red
Peptides