Glial activation is moderated by sex in response to amyloidosis but not to tau pathology in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Background: In vivo assessment of neuroinflammation by 18-kDa translocator protein positron-emission-tomography (TSPO-PET) ligands receives growing interest in preclinical and clinical research of neurodegenerative disorders. Higher TSPO-PET binding as a surrogate for microglial activation in females has been reported for cognitively normal humans, but such effects have not yet been evaluated in rodent models of neurodegeneration and their controls. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of sex on microglial activation in amyloid and tau mouse models and wild-type controls.

In Vivo Assessment of Neuroinflammation in 4-Repeat Tauopathies.

Background: Neuroinflammation has received growing interest as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative disorders, including 4-repeat tauopathies.

Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate 18 kDa translocator protein positron emission tomography (PET) as a biomarker for microglial activation in the 4-repeat tauopathies corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Methods: Specific binding of the 18 kDa translocator protein tracer F-GE-180 was determined by serial PET during pharmacological depletion of microglia in a 4-repeat tau mouse model.