CSF tau protein and FDG PET in patients with aging-associated cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: In Alzheimer's disease (AD), accelerated neurofibrillary tangle formation occurs which is associated with increased tau protein release into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recent studies found significantly increased CSF tau already in patients at risk of developing AD, indicating its potential as a biochemical marker of AD. Cerebral glucose metabolism is reduced in frontotemporoparietal and cingulate cortices in patients with mild AD.

A gallium-labeled DOTA-alpha-melanocyte- stimulating hormone analog for PET imaging of melanoma metastases.

Unlabelled: Although (18)F-FDG PET is widely used for metastatic melanoma diagnosis, it is less accurate than desirable, particularly for small foci. Since both melanotic and amelanotic melanomas overexpress receptors for alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH; receptor name, melanocortin type 1 receptor [MC1R]), radiolabeled alpha-MSH analogs are potential candidates for melanoma diagnosis. The aim of this study was to develop a positron emitter-labeled alpha-MSH analog suitable for PET imaging of melanoma metastases.