Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2025, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (1): 93-106.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.391180

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Recent progress in the applications of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in parkinsonism

Yujie Yang1, 2, #, Xinyi Li2, #, Jiaying Lu3, Jingjie Ge3, Mingjia Chen2, Ruixin Yao2, Mei Tian3, 4, 5, Jian Wang2, Fengtao Liu2, *, Chuantao Zuo3, 5, *   

  1. 1Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Genetics, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; 2Department of Neurology, National Research Center for Aging and Medicine, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; 3Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, National Center for Neurological Disorders, and National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; 4International Human Phenome Institutes (Shanghai), Shanghai, China; 5Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
  • Online:2025-01-15 Published:2025-01-15
  • Contact: Chuantao Zuo, MD, PhD, zuochuantao@fudan.edu.cn; Fengtao Liu, MD, PhD, liufengtao@fudan.edu.cn.
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the Research Project of the Shanghai Health Commission, No. 2020YJZX0111 (to CZ); the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos. 82021002 (to CZ), 82272039 (to CZ), 82171252 (to FL); a grant from the National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China (PRC), No. Pro20211231084249000238 (to JW); and Medical Innovation Research Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, No. 21Y11903300 (to JG).

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Abstract: Nowadays, presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography, which assesses deficiencies in dopamine synthesis, storage, and transport, is widely utilized for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of parkinsonism. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in the application of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in disorders that manifest parkinsonism. We conducted a thorough literature search using reputable databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. Selection criteria involved identifying peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years, with emphasis on their relevance to clinical applications. The findings from these studies highlight that presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has demonstrated potential not only in diagnosing and differentiating various Parkinsonian conditions but also in assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis. Moreover, when employed in conjunction with other imaging modalities and advanced analytical methods, presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has been validated as a reliable in vivo biomarker. This validation extends to screening and exploring potential neuropathological mechanisms associated with dopaminergic depletion. In summary, the insights gained from interpreting these studies are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of preclinical investigations and clinical trials, ultimately advancing toward the goals of neuroregeneration in parkinsonian disorders.

Key words: aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, brain imaging, dopamine transporter, Parkinson’s disease, parkinsonism, positron emission tomography, presynaptic dopaminergic function, vesicle monoamine transporter type 2