Naming Opportunity for the Positron Emission Tomography Laboratory
$ 500,000

Our positron emission tomography (PET) laboratory consists of a human PET scanner and associated instrumentation for the conduct of studies designed to examine neurochemistry in the living human brain.  The PET scanner is currently a shared resource with the Department of Radiology which uses the scanner for clinical activities.  PET studies provide unique information about the distribution, amount and location of specific neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain.  This information is crucial for combining a molecular level understanding with systems and circuits. 

New PET methods on the horizon are likely going to provide information on local gene expression in the brain.  These methods are relevant to furthering our understanding and treatment of a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders including autism, fragile X, mood disorders, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and many others.  The current PET scanner was purchased in the early 1990’s and is out of date and critically needs replacing.  The cost of a new PET scanner is approximately $2M. 

There is a critical need to upgrade the PET scanner on a regular basis, or to replace it, and to retain key faculty and staff who work on this scanner.  A $500,000 gift to the Brain Imaging Endowment would provide a naming opportunity for this important facility and will help enable us to upgrade the scanner on a regular basis.