Publikationsrepositorium - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Abstract: It is widely accepted that sigma (σ) receptors represent a new and different avenue in the possible pharmacological treatment of cancer and several brain-related disorders. Of the two different σ receptor types the σ₁1 receptors are assumed to be of major impact for brain diseases. Molecular imaging of brain σ₁ receptors with positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may provide a significant contribution to the understanding of the cross-talk between σ₁ receptors and inter- and intracellular signalling systems. New insights into These functional interrelationships will allow a better diagnosis of brain and cancerous diseases and direct a rational development of new therapeutic concepts.