PET – Lars Farde/Christer Halldin's 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.

• 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