Using Tandem Behaviour-PET to Examine Dopaminergic Signalling Underlying Exploration
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2017-03-09
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Abstract
Here, we examine the potential of positron emission tomography (PET), a non-invasive technique that detects the location of a small molecule within a subject in real-time with resolution in the micrometre range, in providing insight into the role of dopaminergic signalling in exploratory behaviours. Using a pilot of five adult mice, we recorded the behaviour of each subject during a 15-min free exploration period and then performed PET imaging with the F-labelled high affinity dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist 18 F- fallypride. A correlation matrix of behaviours and brain regions of interest revealed some interesting correlations. In particular, we find a decreased standardised uptake value (SUV) for 18 F-fallypride in the hippocampal formation and amygdala in subjects that exhibited high levels of unassisted rearing. This finding suggests that either a higher concentration of dopamine in these areas, or lower D2/D3 receptor availability, is associated with increased exploratory behaviour. In contrast, we found that high SUVs for 18 F-fallypride throughout the brain correlated most strongly with immobility and body grooming, suggesting these behaviours dominate during times of low global dopamine/dopamine receptor binding. This pilot study serves as an example of the potential for using tandem behaviour-PET to identify novel brain-behaviour interactions, but additional refinements to the methods are warranted before full-scale studies are engaged.
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Sciencematters
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03688 - Schibli, Roger / Schibli, Roger