Neuroimaging GABA Physiology in Fragile X Syndrome

Summary

The investigators wish to compare the brain distribution of GABA(A) receptors and GABA levels in young adult males with Fragile X Syndrome compared to idiopathic intellectual developmental disorder. The radiopharmaceutical \[18F\]flumazenil has been used to study GABA(A) receptor distribution in other genetic syndromes with autistic features; however, despite overwhelming evidence supporting the importance of the GABAergic system in FXS, no clinical investigation of this system in human FXS has been reported in the literature. Therefore, this study will provide the first in vivo comprehensive examination of the GABAergic system in FXS using hybrid positron emission tomography/ magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI).

Timeline

Start

2016-11-01

Primary completion

2018-12-06

Completion

2018-12-06

Outcome

Outcome not reported

Stopped (Enrollment): “Difficulty with patient recruitment due to COVID-19 pandemic”

Publications

• Background Lucignani G, Panzacchi A, Bosio L, Moresco RM, Ravasi L, Coppa I, Chiumello G, Frey K, Koeppe R, Fazio F. GABA A receptor abnormalities in Prader-Willi syndrome assessed with positron emission tomography and [11C]flumazenil. Neuroimage. 2004 May;22(1):22-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2003.10.050.
• Background Holopainen IE, Metsahonkala EL, Kokkonen H, Parkkola RK, Manner TE, Nagren K, Korpi ER. Decreased binding of [11C]flumazenil in Angelman syndrome patients with GABA(A) receptor beta3 subunit deletions. Ann Neurol. 2001 Jan;49(1):110-3. doi: 10.1002/1531-8249(200101)49:13.0.co;2-t.

Drugs

Indications