Increased regional P2X7R expression detected by [18F]GSK1482160 PET in a tauopathy mouse model

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in Alzheimers disease and primary tauopathies. The aim of the current study was to map [18F]GSK1482160 for imaging of purinergic P2X7R in Alzheimers disease and primary tauopathy mouse models. MicroPET was performed using [18F]GSK1482160 in widely used mouse models of Alzheimers disease (APP/PS1, 5xFAD and 3xTg), 4-repeat tauopathy (rTg4510) mice and age-matched wild-type mice. Increased uptake of [18F]GSK1482160 were observed in the cortex and basal forebrain of 7-month-old rTg4510 mice compared to age-matched wild-type mice, and compared to 3-month-old rTg4510 mice. Nonparametric Spearmans rank analysis revealed a positive correlation between tau [18F]APN-1607 uptake and [18F]GSK1482160 in the hippocampus of rTg4510 mice. No significant differences were observed between wild-type mice and APP/PS1 (5, 10 months), 5xFAD (3, 7 months) or 3xTg mice (10 months). Immunofluorescence staining further indicated the distribution of P2X7R in the brains of 7-month-old rTg4510 mice with the accumulation of tau inclusion compared to that of wild-type mice. These findings provide in vivo imaging evidence for increased P2X7R in the brains of tauopathy model mice. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.