IN VIVO BRAIN IMAGING AGENT AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

摘要

A composition useful as an imaging agent comprises a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist compound, preferably iodopindolol, to which is covalently attached an iodine radioisotope such as 123I or 124I. This composition is used in a method for radioimaging beta adrenergic receptors in a tissue, preferably brain. In particular, the method is useful with the radioimaging technique of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET). The above composition, as well as a kit comprising a set of one or more standard radiographic images of beta adrenergic receptors, are also useful in methods for (1) diagnosing an alteration in beta adrenergic receptors in a tissue, particularly brain; (2) diagnosing suicidal depression in a subject; and (3) detecting the therapeutic normalization of beta adrenergic receptor expression in a subject.