Award
Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs 5I21RX004644-04
Feasibility of Using PET Imaging for Detection of Treatment-Induced Changes in Chronic Neuroinflammation Following TBI
Recipient
Veterans Health Administration
Awarded
July 22, 2026
Identifier
5I21RX004644-04
This award supports research to develop a PET imaging platform to detect chronic neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and assess treatment effects of methylphenidate in a rat model, aiming to improve clinical translation for TBI patients.
Description
The study aims to develop a preclinical platform for studying TBI-induced chronic neuroinflammation using PET imaging. It will evaluate the efficacy of methylphenidate in modulating neuroinflammation and long-term disabilities post-TBI. The research uses a rat model of close-head TBI, focusing on brainstem injuries and their relation to neuroinflammation, cognitive, and anxiety outcomes. Imaging techniques include FDG-18 PET MRI, with behavioral assessments such as Morris Water Maze and Elevated Plus Maze. Post-mortem immunohistochemistry will analyze microglia, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems. The study hypothesizes that PET/MRI will reveal microglial activation patterns correlating with IHC markers, and methylphenidate treatment will reduce neuroinflammation and disabilities. The findings aim to enhance understanding of chronic neuroinflammation in TBI and inform clinical translation.