๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-08-10

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease-TSPO- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Substudy (NCT03457493)

UAB Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease - TSPO-PET Substudy

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Phase1 / Phase2 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The primary objective of this substudy is to measure the concentration and the regional brain distribution of activated brain microglia/macrophages using the PET ligand \[18F\]DPA-714 in participants enrolled in the UAB Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Parkinson's Disease (Clinical Research Core) and Longitudinal \[18F\]DPA-714 Imaging in a Parkinson Disease Cohort studies. The PET tracer \[18F\]DPA-714 binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO, also known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor) in the mitochondria of activated microglia/macrophages and provides a non-invasive measure of neuroinflammation. The amount and distribution of \[18F\]DPA-714 in the brain will be correlated to clinical data acquired through the separate ongoing UAB Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Parkinson Disease (Clinical Research Core) and Longitudinal \[18F\]DPA-714 Imaging in a Parkinson Disease Cohort studies. The primary objective of this study is to determine if patients with PD have higher levels of neuroinflammation than healthy controls as measured with \[18F\]DPA-714-PET/MRI.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: UAB Advanced Imaging Facility โ€” Birmingham, Alabama

Age range: 30 Years

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • UAB Advanced Imaging Facility โ€” Birmingham, Alabama

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (205) 996-7115

Email: jmcconathy@uabmc.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—