RecruitingNCT05205291

Molecular Imaging of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease Using LPS and TSPO-PET/MR

Molecular Imaging of LPS-induced Microglial Activation in Parkinson's Disease (PD). A TSPO PET-MR Imaging Study

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Feb 28, 2022

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Neurodegenerative Diseases REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD)

Summary

It is not known what causes Parkinson's disease and what makes it worsen over time. Research conducted in the past few years has highlighted the possible role of inflammation on this process but its actual mechanisms are still obscure. In this study, the investigators aim to gain understanding on how inflammation is increased in Parkinson's disease and what are its mechanisms, by performing two Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans using the tracer \[11C\]PBR28, that takes pictures of the brain highlighting the areas of inflammation, before and after the administration of a compound called Lipopolysaccharide or LPS, that is known to cause a mild degree of inflammation. The investigators will couple this study with two venous blood draws to measure the levels of circulating molecules of inflammation.

Eligibility

Min Age: 50 YearsMax Age: 85 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is using advanced brain imaging (PET/MRI) to measure inflammation in the brains of people being evaluated for Parkinson's disease. The goal is to better understand how inflammation contributes to the disease before and after diagnosis. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 50 and 85 years old - You have no current neurological or psychiatric diagnosis - You have some symptoms of depression (BDI score ≥ 20) - You are cognitively healthy with a normal cognitive screening score - You have no personal or family history of neurodegenerative disease - You have no history of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You already have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or another neurological condition - You have active inflammation or autoimmune disease - You are unable to complete the required testing due to vision or hearing limitations Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DRUGLipopolysaccharide

All participants will receive one dose of Lipopolysaccharide (1ng/Kg) after the first PET/MR scan with \[11C\]PBR28 and four hours before the second PET/MR scan with \[11C\]PBR28.

RADIATIONPET/MR with [11C]PBR28

A PET/MR scan using the tracer \[11C\]PBR28 will be performed to all participants before and four hours after the administration of LPS