Lars Farde/Christer Halldin research group
PET
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography which is a research method that shows the chemical metabolism and function of organs or tissue elements.
The ability to superimpose the image, so-called image fusion between MRI images and PET image brings anatomical situation information and information on the metabolism.
With the PET method, differences in tissue metabolism, function and circulation can be discovered. Diagnoses can be made earlier than with other methods such as CT and MRI. The PET method shows the spread of malignant tumors and metastases. Epilepsy that cannot be treated with drugs may instead be treated surgically. PET examination can be quite precisely demarcate the area to be treated.
During a PET scan, areas of the parietal and temporal lobes´ metabolism can be studied in connection with, for example Alzheimer´s.
PET examination can depict blocked or narrowed arteries. The method can show areas where blood flow is elevated or abnormal.
Research Projects
- Genetic regulation of markers for the dopamine and serotonin systems, using a twin design as well as studying the role of specific genetic polymorphisms
- The role of neuroinflammation in Schizofrenia, as well as on the interplay between genetics, brain neurotransmission and psychotic symptoms
- Effects of age and gender on brain neurotransmission and the relationships between brain biochemistry and different aspects of cognitive performance, as well as personality traits and creative ability
- The pathopsysiology of depression and anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders as well as drug addiction
- Pathophysiology and diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders; the dopamine system in Huntington´s disease, mood and cognition in Parkinson disease and amyloid deposition in aging and preclinical and clinical stages of Alzheimers disease
Selected publications
Quantitative PET analyses of regional [11C]PE2I binding to the dopamine transporter--application to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Odano I, Varrone A, Savic I, Ciumas C, Karlsson P, Jucaite A, et al
Neuroimage 2012 Feb;59(4):3582-93
Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma curves obtained after i.v. injection of the PET radioligand [11C] raclopride provides a likely explanation for rapid radioligand metabolism.
Sestini S, Halldin C, Mansi L, Castagnoli A, Farde L
J. Cell. Physiol. 2012 Apr;227(4):1663-9
Comparison of D₂ dopamine receptor occupancy after oral administration of quetiapine fumarate immediate-release and extended-release formulations in healthy subjects.
Nord M, Nyberg S, Brogren J, Jucaite A, Halldin C, Farde L
Int. J. Neuropsychopharmacol. 2011 Nov;14(10):1357-66
NET occupancy by clomipramine and its active metabolite, desmethylclomipramine, in non-human primates in vivo.
Takano A, Nag S, Gulyás B, Halldin C, Farde L
Psychopharmacology (Berl.) 2011 Jul;216(2):279-86
Development of a PET radioligand for the central 5-HT1B receptor: radiosynthesis and characterization in cynomolgus monkeys of eight radiolabeled compounds.
Andersson J, Pierson M, Finnema S, Gulyás B, Heys R, Elmore C, et al
Nucl. Med. Biol. 2011 Feb;38(2):261-72