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Observational Study of Brain Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease

This observational study is looking at how inflammation in the brain is linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will use special brain scans called PET (Positron Emission Tomography) to measure two markers of inflammation: monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) and translocator protein (TSPO). You would receive two different PET scans: one with 11C-ER176 to measure both microglia and astrocytes (types of brain cells involved in inflammation), and another with 18F-SMBT1 to specifically measure astrocytes. This study aims to better understand brain inflammation in Alzheimer's. They are looking for 71 participants, including people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals, aged 50-90. The study status is currently unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 71 participants, including individuals with Alzheimer's disease and healthy volunteers.
What's involved
Participants will undergo two PET scans, one with 11C-ER176 and another with 18F-SMBT1, at the time of the scan.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints are measured at the time of the PET scan, so no long-term follow-up is specified.

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NCT05582200

Selective PET Imaging of Astrocytes and Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–90Observational
The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
~71 participants
Updated 2026-04-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Positron Emission Tomography (PET) using 11C-ER176 for TSPO and 18F-SMBT1 for MAO-B

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
The level of monoamine oxidase-B
Measured over At the time of the PET scan
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease
Healthy

Explore related trials

Alzheimer's DiseaseHealthy

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Texas1

Who to contact

Joseph C. Masdeu, MD, PhD
[email protected]
7134411150
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Individuals of either sex, 50-90 years of age.
Meeting research criteria for AD (McKhann, Knopman et al. 2011).
With a CDR (Morris 1993) score of 1-3.
Fluent in English or Spanish.
Have sufficient communication and comprehension ability to consent to the performance of the study or have a legally authorized representative.
Individuals of 18-90 years of age.
Negative amyloid accumulation determined by PET (only for the comparison with AD).
Fluent in English.
Have enough communication and comprehension ability to consent to the performance of the study.

Exclusion

Inability to undergo MRI or PET for any reason, including severe claustrophobia.
History of large stroke or brain trauma, multiple sclerosis or other brain disorder that, in the judgment of the PI may confound the study.
Pregnancy. In women in whom the possibility of pregnancy cannot be excluded, a pregnancy test must be performed on site the morning of any PET visit and a negative result together with a physician interview are required prior to the administration or any radiopharmaceutical.
Research radiation exposure greater than 50 mSv effective dose within 12 months including radiation exposure from this study.
Inability to undergo MRI or PET for any reason, including severe claustrophobia.
Brain disorder, other than idiopathic headache.
Current primary Axis I or II psychiatric disorder.
Current use of psychotropic or anti-epileptic medication.
Substance abuse during the past two years.
Active cancer, metabolic encephalopathy, infection, cardiovascular disease.
Active hematological, renal, pulmonary, endocrine or hepatic disorders, except for treated thyroid disease.
Pregnancy. In women in whom the possibility of pregnancy cannot be excluded, a pregnancy test must be performed on site the morning of any PET visit and a negative result together with a physician interview are required prior to the administration or any radiopharmaceutical
Research radiation exposure greater than 50 mSv effective dose within 12 months including radiation exposure from this study.
Only for the subjects undergoing the blocked scan with selegiline: known contraindications to selegiline, including hypersensitivity to the drug and use of opioids, such as meperidine and some antidepressants such as bupropion.

What this trial measures

  • The level of monoamine oxidase-BAt the time of the PET scan

    Binding of PET tracer \[F-18\]SMBT-1 to monoamine oxidase-B

  • The level of translocator proteinAt the time of the PET scan

    Binding of PET tracer \[C-11\]ER176 to translocator protein