UC Irvine

We report the use of β3 adrenergic receptor mediated activation of rat brain frontal cortex using mirabegron (a selective β3 adrenoceptor agonist), measured by (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Another β3 agonist, CL 316,243, did not have this effect due to impermeability through the blood brain barrier (BBB), while atomoxetine, a norepinephrine transporter blocker, did increase (18)F-FDG uptake in the frontal cortex. Mirabegron exhibited a dose-dependent increase in frontal cortex (18)F-FDG uptake. These findings suggest a possible use of selective β3 adrenoceptor agonists in reversing regional glucose hypometabolism in the brain.