11C-5-hydroxytryptophan

C-5-hydroxytryptophan (11C-5-HTP)** is a radiolabeled form of the amino acid precursor to serotonin, used primarily as a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent. The compound consists of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan labeled with the radioactive isotope carbon‑11. It is utilized in PET scans to study serotonin synthesis and turnover in the brain and to assess neuroendocrine tumors or pancreatic endocrine function. In research settings, uptake and utilization of tracer amounts of [beta‑11C]5‑HTP have been used as markers for regional serotonin formation and β-cell function in the pancreas[7][10]. The mechanism involves its uptake by cells that synthesize serotonin or related amines; after crossing cell membranes, it is decarboxylated to radiolabeled serotonin or other metabolites that can be imaged by PET[7][10]. This allows for noninvasive quantification of serotonergic activity or endocrine cell mass.

Other names

11C-5-hydroxytryptophancarbon-11 labeled 5-hydroxytryptophancarbon11 labeled 5-hydroxytryptophancarbon 11 labeled 5-hydroxytryptophan