Definition
PET is a noninvasive technique that allows quantitative imaging data to be obtained from internal organs (including brain) in vivo, in humans and animal models. Molecules that interact with biologic systems of interest are tagged with positron-emitting isotopes and injected into subjects, usually in very small quantities (“Tracer Dose”). Decay of the isotope results in the emission of photons that are detectable by the imaging system. These data can be used to infer the concentrations of the radiolabeled molecule (“Radiotracer”) in the tissues being imaged. The technique can be used to estimate parameters related to receptor density and availability, drug occupancy, fluctuations in endogenous transmitter levels at neurotransmitter receptors/transporters, and rates of various metabolic processes.
Principles and Role in Psychopharmacology
PET imaging has been used as a...
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Slifstein, M. (2013). Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging. In: Stolerman, I., Price, L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27772-6_306-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27772-6_306-2
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