Jörn Schmaljohann

Bio: Jörn Schmaljohann is an academic researcher from RWTH Aachen University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nicotine & Abstinence. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 12 publications receiving 227 citations.

The impact of dopamine on aggression: An [18F]-FDOPA PET study in healthy males

Abstract: Cerebral dopamine (DA) transmission is thought to be an important modulator for the development and occurrence of aggressive behavior. However, the link between aggression and DA transmission in humans has not been investigated using molecular imaging and standardized behavioral tasks. We investigated aggression as a function of DA transmission in a group of (N = 21) healthy male volunteers undergoing 6-[18F]-fluoro-L-DOPA (FDOPA)-positron emission tomography (PET) and a modified version of the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP). This task measures aggressive behavior during a monetary reward-related paradigm, where a putative adversary habitually tries to cheat. The participant can react in three ways (i.e., money substraction of the putative opponent [aggressive punishment], pressing a defense button, or continuing his money-making behavior). FDOPA-PET was analyzed using a steady-state model yielding estimates of the DA-synthesis capacity (K), the turnover of tracer DA formed in living brain (kloss), and the tracer distribution volume (Vd), which is an index of DA storage capacity. Significant negative correlations between PSAP aggressive responses and the DA-synthesis capacity were present in several regions, most prominently in the midbrain (r = -0.640; p = 0.002). Lower degrees of aggressive responses were associated with higher DA storage capacity in the striatum and midbrain. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the investment into monetary incentive responses on the PSAP and DA-synthesis capacity, notably in the midbrain (r = +0.618, p = 0.003). The results suggest that individuals with low DA transmission capacity are more vulnerable to reactive/impulsive aggression in response to provocation.

Failure of annexin-based apoptosis imaging in the assessment of antiangiogenic therapy effects

Abstract: Background Molecular apoptosis imaging is frequently discussed to be useful for monitoring cancer therapy. We demonstrate that the sole assessment of therapy effects by apoptosis imaging can be misleading, depending on the therapy effect on the tumor vasculature.

Differences in predicted and actually absorbed doses in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.

Abstract: Purpose: An important assumption in dosimetry prior to radionuclide therapy is the equivalence of pretherapeutic and therapeutic biodistribution. In this study the authors investigate if this assumption is justified in sst2-receptor targeting peptide therapy, as unequal amounts of peptide and different peptides for pretherapeutic measurements and therapy are commonly used. Methods: Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models were developed. Gamma camera and serum measurements of ten patients with metastasizing neuroendocrine tumors were conducted using111In-DTPAOC. The most suitable model was selected using the corrected Akaike information criterion. Based on that model and the estimated individual parameters, predicted and measured 90Y-DOTATATE excretions during therapy were compared. The residence times for the pretherapeutic (measured) and therapeutic scenarios (simulated) were calculated. Results: Predicted and measured therapeutic excretion differed in three patients by 10%, 31%, and 7%. The measured pretherapeutic and therapeutic excretion differed by 53%, 56%, and 52%. The simulated therapeutic residence times of kidney and tumor were 3.1 ± 0.6 and 2.5 ± 1.2 fold higher than the measured pretherapeutic ones. Conclusions: To avoid the introduction of unnecessary inaccuracy in dosimetry, using the same substance along with the same amount for pretherapeutic measurements and therapy is recommended.

Feasibility of [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380-PET Imaging of Human Vascular Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Vivo

Abstract: Objectives The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380 for in vivo imaging of arterial nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in humans Furthermore, potentially different vascular uptake patterns of this new tracer were evaluated in healthy volunteers and in patients with neurodegenerative disorders Background [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380 was developed for in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of nAChR subunits in the human brain These nAChRs are also found in arteries and seem to mediate the deleterious effects of nicotine as a part of tobacco smoke in the vasculature It has been previously shown that uptake patterns of the radiotracer in the brain differs in patients with neurodegenerative disorders compared with healthy controls Methods [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380 uptake was quantified in the ascending and descending aorta, the aortic arch, and the carotids in 5 healthy volunteers and in 6 patients with either Parkinson9s disease or multiple system atrophy, respectively, as the maximum target-to-background ratio The maximal standardized uptake value values, the single hottest segment, and the percent active segments of the [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380 uptake in the arteries were also assessed Results [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380 uptake was clearly visualized and maximum target-to-background ratio uptake values corrected for the background activity of the tracer showed specific tracer uptake in the arterial walls Significantly higher uptake values were found in the descending aorta Comparison between volunteers and patients revealed significant differences, with lower [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380 uptake in the patient group when comparing single arterial territories but not when all arterial territories were pooled together Conclusions [18F]-2-Fluoro-A85380 can provide specific information on the nAChR distribution in human arteries Vascular nAChR density seems to be lower in patients with Parkinson9s disease or multiple system atrophy Once confirmed in larger study populations and in the experimental setting, this approach might provide insights into the pathogenic role of nAChRs in the human vasculature

The neurobiology of aggression and violence.

Abstract: Aggression and violence represent a significant public health concern and a clinical challenge for the mental healthcare provider. A great deal has been revealed regarding the neurobiology of violence and aggression, and an integration of this body of knowledge will ultimately serve to advance clinical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. We will review here the latest findings regarding the neurobiology of aggression and violence. First, we will introduce the construct of aggression, with a focus on issues related to its heterogeneity, as well as the importance of refining the aggression phenotype in order to reduce pathophysiologic variability. Next we will examine the neuroanatomy of aggression and violence, focusing on regional volumes, functional studies, and interregional connectivity. Significant emphasis will be on the amygdala, as well as amygdala-frontal circuitry. Then we will turn our attention to the neurochemistry and molecular genetics of aggression and violence, examining the extensive findings on the serotonergic system, as well as the growing literature on the dopaminergic and vasopressinergic systems. We will also address the contribution of steroid hormones, namely, cortisol and testosterone. Finally, we will summarize these findings with a focus on reconciling inconsistencies and potential clinical implications; and, then we will suggest areas of focus for future directions in the field.

Pre-therapeutic dosimetry of normal organs and tissues of (177)Lu-PSMA-617 prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) inhibitor in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Abstract: 177Lu-617-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand seems to be a promising tracer for radionuclide therapy of progressive prostate cancer. However, there are no published data regarding the radiation dose given to the normal tissues. The aim of the present study was to estimate the pretreatment radiation doses in patients who will undergo radiometabolic therapy using a tracer amount of 177Lu-labeled PSMA ligand. The study included seven patients with progressive prostate cancer with a mean age of 63.9 ± 3.9 years. All patients had prior PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and had intense tracer uptake at the lesions. The injected 177Lu-PSMA-617 activity ranged from 185 to 210 MBq with a mean of 192.6 ± 11.0 MBq. To evaluate bone marrow absorbed dose 2-cc blood samples were withdrawn in short variable times (3, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min and 24, 48, and 120 h) after injection. Whole-body images were obtained at 4, 24, 48, and 120 h post-injection (p.i.). The geometric mean of anterior and posterior counts was determined through region of interest (ROI) analysis. Attenuation correction was applied using PSMA PET/CT images. The OLINDA/EXM dosimetry program was used for curve fitting, residence time calculation, and absorbed dose calculations. The calculated radiation-absorbed doses for each organ showed substantial variation. The highest radiation estimated doses were calculated for parotid glands and kidneys. Calculated radiation-absorbed doses per megabecquerel were 1.17 ± 0.31 mGy for parotid glands and 0.88 ± 0.40 mGy for kidneys. The radiation dose given to the bone marrow was significantly lower than those of kidney and parotid glands (p < 0.05). The calculated radiation dose to bone marrow was 0.03 ± 0.01 mGy/MBq. Our first results suggested that 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy seems to be a safe method. The dose-limiting organ seems to be the parotid glands rather than kidneys and bone marrow. The lesion radiation doses are within acceptable ranges; however, there is a substantial individual variance so patient dosimetry seems to be mandatory.

Fluorine-18 labelled building blocks for PET tracer synthesis.

Abstract: Positron emission tomography (PET) is an important driver for present day healthcare. Fluorine-18 is the most widely used radioisotope for PET imaging and a thorough overview of the available radiochemistry methodology is a prerequisite for selection of a synthetic approach for new fluorine-18 labelled PET tracers. These PET tracers can be synthesised either by late-stage radiofluorination, introducing fluorine-18 in the last step of the synthesis, or by a building block approach (also called modular build-up approach), introducing fluorine-18 in a fast and efficient manner in a building block, which is reacted further in one or multiple reaction steps to form the PET tracer. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the synthesis and application of fluorine-18 labelled building blocks since 2010.