Molecular Imaging of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease Using LPS and TSPO-PET/MR

It is not known what causes Parkinson's disease and what makes it worsen over time. Research conducted in the past few years has highlighted the possible role of inflammation on this process but its actual mechanisms are still obscure. In this study, the investigators aim to gain understanding on how inflammation is increased in Parkinson's disease and what are its mechanisms, by performing two Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans using the tracer \[11C\]PBR28, that takes pictures of the brain highlighting the areas of inflammation, before and after the administration of a compound called Lipopolysaccharide or LPS, that is known to cause a mild degree of inflammation. The investigators will couple this study with two venous blood draws to measure the levels of circulating molecules of inflammation.

NCT Number	NCT05205291
Lead Sponsor	University of Exeter
Conditions	Neurodegenerative Diseases, Parkinson Disease, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD)
Enrollment	30 participants
Start Date	2022-02-28
Primary Completion	2026-08-31 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-08-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-10-07