The PBR is located exclusively in glial cells, not in neurons, making it a biomarker of gliosis and indirectly of neurotoxicity. We have demonstrated that following neurotoxicant-induced brain injury this marker protein is selectively increased in damaged brain areas. Our goal is to use this biomarker in human populations exposed to neurotoxicants under occupational conditions or accidental circumstances as well as in neurodegenerative disorders. The application of this biomarker to humans is possible because the PBR response to brain injury can be monitored by brain imaging techniques. PBR specific ligands have been labeled with positron or single photon emitting radioisotopes.
Divalent cations modulate NMDA receptor function at the glycine site.
Guilarte, T.R., McGlothan, J.L., and Nihei, M.K. 2000. Kuhlmann, A.C., Guilarte, T.R. 2000. Cellular and subcellular localization of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors after trimethyltin neurotoxicity. Nihei, M.K., Desmond, N.L., McGlothan, J.L., Kuhlmann, A.C. and Guilarte T.R. 2000.