Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2009

Mentor: Frederick J. Bonte, M.D.
Department: Nuclear Medicine Center, Department of Radiology
Room number: E6.120
Mail Code: 9061
Phone number: (214) 648-2025
E-mail: frederick.bonte@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Experimental Imaging in Alzheimer's Disease

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 2008 - 0128

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)

Brief Description of Project:

Alzheimer's disease is increasingly prevalent in our aging population. It is one of a number of dementing diseases, which require differential diagnosis. A definitive diagnostic test for Alzheimer's has not yet been identified. A test agent is now being explored in our laboratory in experimental animals which bear genes for human AD. Hydroxy quinoline has been shown to have avidity for brain plaques, which are a primary diagnostic finding in AD. We have succeeded in labeling this molecule with fluorine as radioactive F-18, a positron emitter which may be used for PET imaging, using Southwestern's microPet imager. Preliminary work has been successful, and test animal imaging is about to begin. It is anticipated that the student would be actively involved in making the labeled compound, and in the imaging procedure. Student participation in published results is anticipated.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

2002; Downey, Cara: Student Summer Researh
2003; Davis, Sarah: Student Summer Research
2004; Sodeman, Julia: Student Summer Research
All research was related to the experimental diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. No student publications resulted.