NCTR Research Highlights: Bioimaging of Neurotoxicity

NCTR Research Highlights
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Current Highlight from March 26, 2010
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Bioimaging of Neurotoxicity
Scientists from the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), the University of Tennessee, and industry have jointly evaluated a new tracer reagent (18F-dansylhydrazone fluorobenzaldehyde) to monitor apoptosis (cell death) in the brains of rats using microPET (Positron Emission Tomography) technology. The reagent crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than previous tracers and marks neurons undergoing cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis occurs naturally, however, an increased rate of apoptosis can be an indicator of neurotoxicity. The identification of reagents for noninvasive imaging of cellular processes in the brains of living animals can shed light on the dynamic changes that occur in the central-nervous system during drug- or disease-induced brain injury.

International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) 2010 Annual Meeting
NCTR Director, William Slikker, Jr., Ph.D., was a featured speaker at the IARS and the Safety of Key Inhaled and Intravenous Drugs in Pediatrics (SAFEKIDS) International Science Symposium2 held March 20, 2010. Dr. Slikker's presentation was titled, “Translational Models and Biomarkers To Assess Pediatric Anesthetics.” Learn more about the SAFEKIDS Initiative.3

NCTR Zebrafish Facility Is Operational
NCTR has established a zebrafish facility to provide adult fish and/or embryos for high-throughput toxicity assessments. The zebrafish is a vertebrate and shares many developmental and genetic similarities with humans and is widely used in developmental and genetic research. Zebrafish-based assays are increasingly utilized by industry to screen for drug/toxicant effects.

For additional information, please contact William Slikker, Jr., Ph.D., Director, FDA/NCTR or Merle Paule, Ph.D., Division of Neurotoxicology, Director, FDA/NCTR.

open here: and see NCTR Research Highlights Archives
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/NCTR/WhatWeDo/NCTRPublications/ucm076767.htm