Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) as one of the candidate genes in human carotid plaque imaging and evaluation of the novel radiotracer [11C]RS-016 targeting CB2 in atherosclerosis

Endarterectomized human atherosclerotic plaques are a valuable basis for gene expression studies to disclose novel imaging biomarkers and therapeutic targets, such as the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). In this work, CB2 is expressed on activated immune cells, which are abundant in inflamed plaques. We evaluated the CB2-specific radiotracer [11C]RS-016 for imaging vascular inflammation in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions.

Source: Nuclear Medicine and Biology - January 7, 2017 Category: Nuclear Medicine Authors: Romana Meletta, Roger Slavik, Linjing Mu, Zoran Rancic, Nicole Borel, Roger Schibli, Simon M. Ametamey, Stefanie D. Kr ämer, Adrienne Müller Herde Source Type: research