Elucidation for a role of kynurenine pathway on the pathogenesis of depression

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25460114
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Pharmacology in pharmacy
• Research Institution: National Institute of Radiological Sciences
• Principal Investigator: Maeda Jun 国立研究開発法人放射線医学総合研究所, 分子イメージング研究センター, 主任研究員 (30415426)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: トリプトファン / キヌレニン / 陽電子断層撮像 / うつ病 / ストレス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To visualize an incorporation efficiency of tryptophan, a tryptophan analogue [11C]1-methyl-L-tryptopan was synthesized with positron labeling, and the characterization of [11C]1-MT bio-distribution in rodents was investigated using small-animal PET. The uptake of [11C]1-MT in the pancreas was the highest concentration among the organs, while the other organs were relative lower concertation compared to the pancreas. The uptakes of [11C]1-MT in the brain and pancreas were in an active manner, and pretreatment with corticosteroid decreased the cerebral and pancreatic uptakes of [11C]1-MT by 30 %. These results suggested that the uptake of [11C]1-MT was dependent on tryptophan metabolism induced by stress, and indicated that [11C]1-MT was a beneficial marker for diagnosis of depression.

Free Research Field

放射薬品学