Novel radiotracer measures olfactory neurons in animal models
"Neuroflux is the first radiotracer to specifically target the adult-regenerative olfactory sensory neurons that reside within the nasal cavity," said Genevieve Van de Bittner, PhD, an investigator in the Martinos Center and lead author of the Journal of Clinical Investigation paper. "This is particularly exciting because our sense of smell is enabled by this specific cell population. Olfactory dysfunction is commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and is often a measurable sign of these diseases prior to the onset of their cardinal symptoms. In addition, studies have shown that the five-year mortality rate for older adults with olfactory dysfunction is higher than are rates for adults with heart failure, diabetes, or cancer. Using this imaging technology, we may be able to capture more precise and objective measurements of olfactory dysfunction and better understand how changes in these sensory neuro...