Cervical catheter placement leads to improved rostral distribution of a radiolabeled 18F-baclofen analog in cynomolgus monkeys

Abstract Background Intrathecal (IT) catheter delivery of baclofen via continuous infusion using an implantable pump is important means treating patients with severe spasticity. We evaluated the impact IT tip placement (upper vs. lower) on brain and spine distribution a radioactive tracer molecule. Methods Cynomolgus monkeys were implanted catheter, distal located at either C1 or T10 attached to pump. A molecule, 18 F-baclofen analog, PET imaging utilized observe quantitate levels in both according location. Results It was consistently determined that high cervical (C1) resulted more rapid higher concentrations radiotracer upper compared lower thoracic (T10) during first 6 hours infusion. Conclusions These results indicate by repeatable proportional within regions spine. The data also suggest greatest exposure spinal cord occurs when vertebra.