Longitudinal assessment of [ 18 F]FDG‐PET in the TgF344‐AD rat

Background The development and characterization of biomarkers abnormalities in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal models is particularly important for the investigation pathophysiological mechanisms drug development. With this mind, here, we aimed at characterizing brain glucose metabolism, indexed by [18F]FDG-microPET, TgF344-AD rat, a model harboring human APP/PS1 mutations. We hypothesized early hypometabolism - due to astrocyte reactivity microglial activation followed later stages – neurodegeneration. Method Hemizygous rats their sex-matched wild type littermates (n=16) were evaluated three time points: 3, 6 9 months age. Rats underwent [18F]FDG-microPET metabolism analysis (SUVr, using pons as reference region). Locomotor activity spatial memory assessed Open-Field Y-maze tests, respectively. Result animals showed no differences any ages analyzed (Figure A). On other hand, decline on performance task was identified point (p = 0.0132), suggesting age B). No parameters Open Field task. Conclusion This study first investigate vivo rat model. Our preliminary results suggest that, comparison littermates, does not present relevant changes stages, even presence detectable cognitive decline.