Multimodality Neuroimaging in Tourette Syndrome: Alpha-[ 11 C] Methyl-L-Tryptophan Positron Emission Tomography and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Studies

Previous studies in Tourette syndrome have reported lateralized abnormalities of neurotransmitters and microstructure of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit. The authors analyzed the relationship between serotonin synthesis and microstructural changes in the subcortical structures (caudate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of child neurology 2010-03, Vol.25 (3), p.336-342
Main Authors: Saporta, Anita S. D., Chugani, Harry T., Juhász, Csaba, Makki, Malek I., Muzik, Otto, Wilson, Benjamin J., Behen, Michael E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Anisotropy
Brain - diagnostic imaging
Brain - pathology
Caudate Nucleus - diagnostic imaging
Caudate Nucleus - pathology
Child
Diffusion Tensor Imaging - methods
Female
Humans
Male
Positron-Emission Tomography - methods
Tourette Syndrome - diagnostic imaging
Tourette Syndrome - pathology
Tryptophan - analogs & derivatives
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Summary:Previous studies in Tourette syndrome have reported lateralized abnormalities of neurotransmitters and microstructure of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit. The authors analyzed the relationship between serotonin synthesis and microstructural changes in the subcortical structures (caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, and thalamus) related to this circuit, using alpha-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan positron emission tomography (PET) and diffusion tensor imaging, respectively, in 16 children with Tourette syndrome. Correlations between diffusion tensor imaging and alpha-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan PET asymmetry values were found in the caudate nucleus. The findings suggested higher serotonin synthesis on the side of more abnormal diffusion, characterized by lower fractional anisotropy and parallel diffusivity but higher perpendicular diffusivity. Altogether, these imaging abnormalities suggest asymmetric immature microstructure in the caudate nucleus associated with abnormally increased serotonin synthesis in Tourette syndrome. The observed diffusion tensor imaging changes are likely related to abnormal connectivity in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit, which may result in cortical disinhibition and increased serotonin synthesis; this could provide a new therapeutic target.
ISSN:0883-0738
1708-8283
DOI:10.1177/0883073809339394