Alpha-difluoromethyl-DOPA

Alpha-difluoromethyl-DOPA (α-DFMD) is a fluorinated amino acid analogue and a radiopharmaceutical used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. It is a derivative of DOPA, a naturally occurring amino acid that is converted into dopamine in the brain.

Chemistry

Alpha-difluoromethyl-DOPA is a fluorinated analogue of DOPA. The presence of the fluorine atom allows it to be used as a radiotracer in PET imaging. The compound is labeled with the radioactive isotope F-18, which emits positrons that can be detected by the PET scanner.

Medical Use

Alpha-difluoromethyl-DOPA is used in PET imaging to study the dopaminergic system in the brain. It is particularly useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. The compound is taken up by the dopaminergic neurons and converted into fluorodopamine, which can be visualized on the PET scan.

Safety and Side Effects

As with any radiopharmaceutical, there is a risk of radiation exposure with the use of alpha-difluoromethyl-DOPA. However, the risk is considered to be low due to the short half-life of F-18. Side effects are rare and typically mild, including headache and nausea.

See Also

• DOPA
• Dopamine
• Positron Emission Tomography
• Parkinson's disease