Further in vivo characterization of [11 C]-(+)-PHNO uptake into a retina-like region of interest in humans.

The neurotransmitter dopamine is present in the retina and is involved in several modulatory functions. Unlike in rodents, dopamine D3 receptors are expressed in the retina of humans. Recently, uptake of the D3 receptor-preferring radiotracer [11 C]-(+)-PHNO has been observed in a retina-like region of interest (ROI) in humans. Here, we attempted to quantify [11 C]-(+)-PHNO uptake into this ROI using an independent sample, employing an extended scan acquisition time (120 min) and arterial kinetic modeling. Data from 14 healthy controls were analyzed (Mean Age: 38.41 ± 9.55, 3 female), 8 of which provided arterial line input function data (Mean Age: 41.07 ± 7.82, 3 female). Using Ichise's multilinear analysis (MA1) method, it was possible to quantify the volume of distribution (VT ) of [11 C]-(+)-PHNO in this retina-like region (Mean VT  = 13.56 ± 3.52; Mean χ2  = 2.08 ± 2.20). Notably, the shape of the time activity curve resembled closely that of the globus pallidus. Moreover, the VT values in the retina correlated well with binding potential (BPND ) values calculated using the simplified reference tissue model (Mean BPND  = 2.11 ± .94; Mean χ2  = 5.76 ± 2.56), employing the cerebellum as the reference region (r = .76, r2  = .58). In summary, we provide evidence that the in vivo uptake of [11 C]-(+)-PHNO into a retina-like ROI in humans can be quantified using both arterial blood sampling (VT ) and simplified reference tissue methods (BPND ).