PET-National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

PET-National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) refers to a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging research protocol and its associated diagnostic agents used to characterize dopamine receptor binding in the brain. The protocol employs two distinct radioligands: [11C]NNC-112, a carbon-11 labeled small molecule that selectively binds to dopamine D1 receptors, and [18F]Fallypride, a fluorine-18 labeled benzamide derivative that acts as a high-affinity antagonist for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors. These agents are administered intravenously to measure receptor density and binding potential in both striatal and neocortical regions. The study, conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, aims to investigate the functional relevance of these receptors in healthy individuals and those with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other psychotic disorders to better understand the pathophysiology of these conditions.

Other names

Dopamine Receptors in Schizophrenia PET StudyFunctional Relevance of Dopamine Receptors in Healthy Controls and Patients With Schizophrenia: Characterization Through [11C]NNC-112 and [18F]Fallypride Positron Emission Tomography