Alpha-Difluoromethyl-DOPA

Alpha-Difluoromethyl-DOPA (α-DFMD), also known as alpha-difluoromethyl-DOPA or α-difluoromethyl-DOPA, is a fluorinated amino acid analogue and a radiopharmaceutical used in PET imaging. It is a fluorine-18-labelled tracer that is used to visualize and measure the activity of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) in the brain.

Chemistry

Alpha-Difluoromethyl-DOPA is a derivative of DOPA, an amino acid that is important in the synthesis of dopamine. The molecule is fluorinated, meaning it contains a fluorine atom, which allows it to be used as a tracer in PET imaging. The fluorine-18 isotope used in α-DFMD is a positron emitter, which means it emits a positron during radioactive decay. This positron can be detected by the PET scanner, allowing the distribution of α-DFMD in the body to be visualized.

Medical Use

Alpha-Difluoromethyl-DOPA is used in PET imaging to visualize and measure the activity of AADC in the brain. AADC is an enzyme that is involved in the synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the regulation of mood, reward, and movement. By visualizing the activity of AADC, doctors can gain insights into conditions that are associated with abnormal dopamine synthesis, such as Parkinson's disease and depression.

Safety and Side Effects

As a radiopharmaceutical, α-DFMD is associated with a small risk of radiation exposure. However, the amount of radiation is typically small and is considered safe for most patients. Side effects are rare, but may include allergic reactions in some individuals.

See Also

• DOPA
• Dopamine
• Positron Emission Tomography
• Radiopharmaceutical