Cis-2,3 dihydrotetrabenazine 13C2 D6

Cis-2,3 dihydrotetrabenazine 13C2 D6, also known as DTBZ, is a synthetic compound used in medical research for imaging and studying the function of the brain. This compound is a derivative of tetrabenazine, which is a drug used to treat movement disorders such as Huntington's disease. DTBZ is labelled with 13C2 and D6 isotopes, allowing for more accurate measurement and analysis of its behavior in the body. DTBZ works by binding to the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) protein, which is responsible for transporting dopamine and other monoamines into synaptic vesicles. By binding to VMAT2, DTBZ inhibits the uptake of dopamine into vesicles, allowing for the visualization and measurement of the density of dopamine terminals in the brain. This ability to image and measure dopamine density has made DTBZ a valuable tool in studying conditions such as Parkinson's disease, depression, and addiction. DTBZ is typically administered intravenously, and its effects can be measured using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The use of DTBZ in medical research has provided valuable insights into the function of the brain and the role of dopamine in neurological disorders. However, it should be noted that DTBZ is not approved for clinical use and should only be used in medical research settings.