Combined probes in PET scan reveal immune system cell function

(DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING) -- A commonly used probe for PET scanning and a new probe developed by researchers at UCLA reveal different functions in diverse cells of the immune system, providing a much clearer picture of an immune response in action. The probes are FDG, which measures cellular glucose metabolism, and FAC, which was developed at UCLA and which measures the activity of a distinct biochemical pathway. They have been found to work better when used in combination than either does alone. In addition to revealing the extent and cellular composition of an immune response, the probes also may be useful in evaluating therapies that target different cellular components of the immune system, said Dr. Owen Witte, a professor of microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, and senior author of the study.

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