Classics in Neuroimaging: Development of Positron Emission Tomography Tracers for Imaging the GABAergic Pathway
Emily Murrell, Jonathan Pham, Alexandra Sowa, Allen F. Brooks, Michael R. Kilbourn, Peter J. H. Scott, Neil Vasdev
Abstract
Advances in drug discovery and diverse radiochemical methodologies have led to the discovery of novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers used to image the GABAergic system, shaping our fundamental understanding of a variety of brain health illnesses, including epilepsy, stroke, cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and addictions. In this Viewpoint, we review the state-of-the art of PET imaging with radiotracers that target the GABAA–benzodiazepine receptor complex, challenges and opportunities for imaging GABAB receptors and GABA transporters, and highlight an ongoing need to develop more sensitive radiotracers for imaging GABA release in the central nervous system.