We use autoradiography to visualise and quantify the distribution of radiolabeled compounds in fresh-frozen brain tissue, permitting investigations of the localization and binding of neurotransmitters, receptors, and other molecular targets within the brain. Autoradiography helps in assessing brain function, mapping disease progression, and evaluating the effects of potential therapies. For example, we have used autoradiography to test specific hypotheses about disease mechanisms in animal models (eg. in relation to neurotransmitter and synaptic deficits, protein aggregation, etc.) with a focus on models of depression/stress and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and their response to therapies.

This technique is also crucial in drug discovery, as it allows for the evaluation of drug-target interactions and the pharmacokinetics of new compounds. We are currently conducting binding studies of new molecules of interest labeled with tritium (3H) to provide data toward the development of improved and novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ligands (eg. for neuroinflammatory systems and G protein-coupled receptors).

Overall, autoradiography provides detailed, high-resolution images essential for understanding brain activity, pathology, and therapeutic responses. Autoradiography studies can be conducted in tissue derived from human cases as well as from experimental animal models. Although our team primarily uses autoradiography in brain research, it is a useful tool for oncology, cardiology, hepatology, and beyond.