Resynchronization of microglial activity in the brain is associated with restoration of motor function in Parkinson’s disease

Neuroinflammation is a key factor in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, the regional heterogeneity of biomarkers related to inflammation in PD is less well defined. We developed [¹⁸F]GSK PET imaging to quantify neuroinflammation via the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in A53T PD male mice and wild-type (WT) male mice. Montelukast (MK) was administered to mice, and weekly behavior tests confirmed MK's efficacy. [¹⁸F]L-DOPA/[¹⁸F]GSK PET, motor testing, autoradiography, and immunofluorescence were performed after MK treatments. MK improved motor function and reduced the brain uptake of [¹⁸F]GSK, indicating resynchronization of regional microglial activity. The whole brain uptake of [¹⁸F]GSK was correlated with motor functional restoration, while [¹⁸F]L-DOPA PET was not. Overall, our study indicated that brain mapping of [¹⁸F]GSK PET is beneficial for exploring P2X7R-related neuroinflammation, which is correspondent to motor function in PD.