What is a MIBG scan used for?

An MIBG scintiscan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer). A scanner finds or confirms the presence of pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma. These are types of tumors that affect nerve tissue.

What does MIBG bind to?

Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), also known as iobenguane, was developed at the University of Michigan by Wieland et al. [202]. As an analog of guanethidine, MIBG shares structural features with norepinephrine, binds to the norepinephrine transporter, and is internalized.

What is the most common side effect of 131I MIBG therapy in neuroblastoma patients?

131I-MIBG dose/course ranged from 2.5 to 5.5 Gbq (median, 3.7). The number of courses ranged from 1 to 5 (median 3) depending on the tumour response and toxicity. The most common acute side-effect was thrombocytopenia.

How is a MIBG scan done?

A radioisotope (MIBG, iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) is injected into a vein. Later that day (or the next day) you lie on a table that is positioned under the arm of the scanner. The abdomen is scanned. You may be asked to return for repeated scans for 1 – 3 days.

Is MIBG scan safe?

What are the risks of an MIBG scan? Apart from the possibility of an increase in blood pressure, which is a relatively rare side-effect, there are no significant risks. Any increase in blood pressure usually resolves within 48 hours after the injection and rarely requires treatment.

Is norepinephrine transporter active or passive?

The reuptake of norepinephrine is primarily driven by an active, saturable, energy- and ATP-dependent process (uptake 1) and, to a lesser extent, by a passive diffusion mechanism of uptake that is nonsaturable and energy independent.

How long does MIBG scan take?

Each scan takes 1 – 2 hours. After injection of the radioisotope, you are given Lugol’s iodine solution to block uptake into the thyroid. Because the radiation from this radioisotope is fairly high compared to most other radioisotopes, some precautions may be necessary for a few days after the test.

What feelings does norepinephrine produce?

Bursts of norepinephrine can lead to euphoria (very happy) feelings but are also linked to panic attacks, elevated blood pressure, and hyperactivity. Low levels can cause lethargy (lack of energy), lack of concentration, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and possibly depression.

What does norepinephrine transporter do?

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) transports norepinephrine from the synapse into presynaptic neurons, where norepinephrine regulates signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular effects and behavioral traits via binding to various receptors (e.g., β2-adrenergic receptor).