Functional brain imaging in the dog.February 04, 2003Single photon emission tomography is an imaging modality using radiolabelled tracer substances to investigate function and metabolism of various organs in the living patient. We explored this technique in the dog to investigate brain function. Brain perfusion (an indirect indicator for metabolism and related brain function) was measured in normal behaving young dogs and compared with a group of normal behaving aging dogs to evaluate aging influences on brain function. The same examination was performed in a group of aggressive dogs, reacting in an impulsive way (out-of-context and unpredictable). In the old group we found a decreased perfusion in certain parts of the brain. In the aggressive dogs no perfusion alterations were found. We also investigated the serotonin-2A receptor, which is part of the serotonin system, in the brain of the same groups of dogs. Dysfunction of this serotonin system is related to mood and behavioural disorders both in man and !in animals. We found a decreased number of serotonin-2A receptors in the old group and an increased number in the aggressive group, indicating involvement of the serotonergic system. The advantage of this modality is that functioning of the brain can be evaluated. From a research point of view, this investigation may shed light on some of the more common canine behavioural disorders and may be used as a modality to observe objectively effects of pharmacological or behavioural therapy. It may also serve as a large animal model to investigate new drugs and treatment regimes for psychiatric conditions in man. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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