Gadolinium (III) ion in liquid water: structure, dynamics, and magnetic interactions from first principles

We applied first principles molecular dynamics (MD) technique to study structure, dynamics, and magnetic interactions of the Gd(3+) aqua ion dissolved in liquid water, a prototypical system for Gd-based complexes used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. The first coordination sphere contains eight water molecules with an average Gd-O distance of 2.37 A and an average geometric arrangement close to a square antiprism. The mean tilt angle of the electric dipole vector of these water molecules is theta=145 degrees . In our picosecond time scale simulation we observe no exchange event from the first coordination sphere but only fast "wagging" motions. The second coordination sphere is well pronounced though water molecules in this sphere are subjected to large amplitude dynamic motions. The isotropic hyperfine coupling constants for the inner sphere water molecules [A(iso)((17)O(I))=0.65+/-0.03 MHz, A(iso)((1)H(I))=0.085+/-0.005 MHz] are in good agreement with experimental data and with an earlier study using classical MD. Second sphere Fermi contact hyperfine coupling constants calculated are more than one order of magnitude smaller and of opposite sign as those of the first coordination sphere. The effect of spin polarization induced by the paramagnetic Gd(3+) ion on the dipolar hyperfine interaction was found to be sizable only for the (17)O nuclei of inner sphere water molecules and has a screening character.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of [Gd(egta)(H(2)O)](-) in aqueous solution: internal motions of the poly(amino carboxylate) and water ligands, and rotational correlation times

Molecular dynamics simulations of [Gd(egta)(H(2)O)](-) (egta(4-)=3,12-bis(carboxymethyl)-6,9-dioxa-3,12-diazatetradecanedioate(4-)) have been performed without any artificial constraint on the first coordination sphere, such as covalent bonds between the Gd(3+) and the coordination sites. Two new crystallographic structures were determined for this gadolinium chelate and used to start two molecular dynamics simulations. [Gd(egta)(H(2)O)](-) and [Gd(egta)](-) were both observed during the simulations, with a mean volume for the reaction of dissociation [Gd(egta)(H(2)O)](-)-->[Gd(egta)](-)+H(2)O of +7.2 cm(3)mol(-1), which corroborates the previously published experimental value of +10.5 cm(3)mol(-1). Changes in the conformation of the complex with the inversion of several dihedral angles are observed in the simulations independently from the water dissociation. Very fast changes of the third-order rotation axis direction of the Gd(3+) coordination polyhedron (of symmetry D(3h)) are observed during the simulations and are related to the mechanism of electronic relaxation of the complex. Different rotational correlation times (tau(R)) were calculated from the simulations on various observables of the complex. Protons of the inner sphere have different tau(R). The mean tau(R) of the two Gd-HW(HW=hydrogen of water molecule) vectors is 72% lower than tau(R) of the complex, and 75% lower than tau(R) of the vector Gd-OW (OW=oxygen of water molecule). This discrimination of the tumbling rates should be taken into account in future global (17)O NMR, EPR and NMRD (nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion) data analysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of the novel monoamide derivatives of Gd-TTDA

For this study, the N'-monoamide derivatives of TTDA (3,6,10-tri(carboxymethyl)-3,6,10-triazadodecanedioic acid), N'-methylamide (TTDA-MA), N'-benzylamide (TTDA-BA), and N'-2-methoxybenzylamide (TTDA-MOBA), were synthesized. Their protonation constants and stability constants (log K(ML)'s) formed with Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Cu(2+), and Gd(3+) were determined by potentiometric titration in 0.10 M Me(4)NCl at 25.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C. The relaxivity values of [Gd(TTDA-MA)](-), [Gd(TTDA-BA)](-), and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)](-) remained constant with respect to pH changes over the range 4.5-12.0. The (17)O NMR chemical shift of H(2)O induced by [Dy(TTDA-MA)(H(2)O)](-) at pH 6.80 showed 0.9 inner-sphere water molecules. Water proton relaxivity values for [Gd(TTDA-MA)(H(2)O)](-), [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-), and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-) at 37.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 20 MHz are 3.89, 4.21, and 4.25, respectively. The water-exchange lifetime (tau(M)) and rotational correlation time (tau(R)) of [Gd(TTDA-MA)(H(2)O)](-), [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-), and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-) are obtained from reduced the (17)O relaxation rate and chemical shifts of H(2)(17)O. The (2)H NMR longitudinal relaxation rates of the deuterated diamagnetic lanthanum complexes for the rotational correlation time were also thoroughly investigated. The water-exchange rates (K(298)(ex) for [Gd(TTDA-MA)(H(2)O)](-), [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-), and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-) are lower than that of [Gd(TTDA)(H(2)O)](2)(-) but significantly higher than those of [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2)(-) and [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H(2)O)]. The rotational correlation times for [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-) and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-) are significantly longer than those of [Gd(TTDA)(H(2)O)](2)(-) and [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2)(-) complexes. The marked increase of the relaxivity of [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-) and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-) results mainly from their longer rotational correlation time. The noncovalent interaction between human serum albumin (HSA) and [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-) and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-) complexes containing a hydrophobic substituent was investigated by measuring the water proton relaxation rate of the aqueous solutions. The binding association constant (K(A)) values are 1.0 +/- 0.2 x 10(3) and 1.3 +/- 0.2 x 10(3) M(-1) for [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-) and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-), which indicates a stronger interaction of [Gd(TTDA-BA)(H(2)O)](-) and [Gd(TTDA-MOBA)(H(2)O)](-) with HSA.     

Novel macrocyclic EuII complexes: fast water exchange related to an extreme M-O water distance

Eu(II) complexes are potential candidates for pO(2)-responsive contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. In this regard, we have characterized two novel macrocyclic Eu(II) chelates, [Eu(II)(DOTA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Eu(II)(TETA)](2-) (H(4)DOTA=1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid, H(4)TETA=1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,4,8,11-tetraacetic acid) in terms of redox and thermodynamic complex stability, proton relaxivity, water exchange, rotation and electron spin relaxation. Additionally, solid-state structures were determined for the Sr(II) analogues. They revealed no inner-sphere water in the TETA and one inner-sphere water molecule in the DOTA complex. This hydration pattern is retained in solution, as the (17)O chemical shifts and (1)H relaxation rates proved for the corresponding Eu(II) compounds. The thermodynamic complex stability, determined from the formal redox potential and by pH potentiometry, of [Eu(II)(DOTA)(H(2)O)](2-) (lg K(Eu(II))=16.75) is the highest among all known Eu(II) complexes, whereas the redox stabilities of both [Eu(II)(DOTA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Eu(II)(TETA)](2-) are inferior to that of 18-membered macrocyclic Eu(II) chelates. Variable-temperature (17)O NMR, NMRD and EPR studies yielded the rates of water exchange, rotation and electron spin relaxation. Water exchange on [Eu(II)(DOTA)(H(2)O)](2-) is remarkably fast (k298(ex)=2.5 x 10(9) s(-1)). The near zero activation volume (DeltaV++ =+0.1+/-1.0 cm(3) mol(-1)), determined by variable-pressure (17)O NMR spectroscopy, points to an interchange mechanism. The fast water exchange can be related to the low charge density on Eu(II), to an unexpectedly long M-O(water) distance (2.85 A) and to the consequent interchange mechanism. Electron spin relaxation is considerably slower on [Eu(II)(DOTA)(H(2)O)](2-) than on the linear [Eu(II)(DTPA)(H(2)O)](3-) (H(5)DTPA=diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), and this difference is responsible for its 25 percent higher proton relaxivity (r(1)=4.32 mM(-1) s(-1) for [Eu(II)(DOTA)(H(2)O)](2-) versus 3.49 mM(-1) s(-1) for [Eu(II)(DTPA)(H(2)O)](3-); 20 MHz, 298 K).     

Gadolinium(III) complexes of mono- and diethyl esters of monophosphonic acid analogue of DOTA as potential MRI contrast agents: solution structures and relaxometric studies

Two new macrocyclic DOTA-like chelates containing one phosphonate pendant arm were synthesised as potential contrast agents for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The chelates bind to the lanthanide(III) in an octadentate manner, via four nitrogen atoms, three carboxylate and one phosphonate oxygen atoms. Solution structures of [Ln(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] and [Ln(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) were studied using (31)P and (1)H NMR spectroscopy and SAP (square-antiprismatic)/TSAP (twisted square-antiprismatic) isomerism was observed. Depending on the nature of the lanthanide(III) ion, the lanthanide(III) complexes of H(4)do3ap(OEt) are present in solution as up to four different diastereoisomers observable with NMR. The TSAP isomer is the most abundant at the beginning of the lanthanide series and, with a decrease of the ionic radius of lanthanide(III) ions, both TSAP and SAP forms were observed. A second interconversion (SAP<-->TSAP') becomes important at the end of the series (TSAP' means the TSAP species without a coordinated water molecule). The remaining axial coordination site is occupied by one water molecule for the Gd(3+)-complex. The calculated fraction of the TSAP isomer in the gadolinium(III) complexes increases in the order [Gd(DOTA)(H(2)O)](-) < [Gd(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] < [Gd(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) < [Gd(do3ap)(H(2)O)](2-). Gadolinium(III) complexes of phosphorus-containing chelates, generally, have the advantage of a relatively fast water exchange rate due to a greater sterical demand of the phosphorus acid moiety and of the presence of the second-sphere water shell, which also contributes to the overall relaxivity. The [Gd(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] and [Gd(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) complexes were studied by variable-temperature (17)O NMR and (1)H NMRD. The experimental data were evaluated simultaneously with commonly used equations based on Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan approximation, extended by a contribution of the second coordination sphere. The water exchange rates were found to be strongly dependent on the TSAP/SAP isomeric ratio and the overall charge of the complex: the monoanionic [Gd(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) complex with TSAP molar fraction equal to 0.36 has the water exchange rate of 20 x 10(6) s(-1) (tau(M) = 50 ns) while neutral [Gd(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] complex with TSAP molar fraction 0.28 has an exchange rate equal to 4.4 x 10(6) s(-1) (tau(M) = 227 ns).     

GdIII complexes with fast water exchange and high thermodynamic stability: potential building blocks for high-relaxivity MRI contrast agents

On the basis of structural considerations in the inner sphere of nine-coordinate, monohydrated Gd(III) poly(aminocarboxylate) complexes, we succeeded in accelerating the water exchange by inducing steric compression around the water binding site. We modified the common DTPA(5-) ligand (DTPA=(diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N",N"-pentaacetic acid) by replacing one (EPTPA(5-)) or two (DPTPA(5-)) ethylene bridges of the backbone by propylene bridges, or one coordinating acetate by a propionate arm (DTTA-prop(5-)). The ligand EPTPA(5-) was additionally functionalized with a nitrobenzyl linker group (EPTPA-bz-NO(2) (5-)) to allow for coupling of the chelate to macromolecules. The water exchange rate, determined from a combined variable-temperature (17)O NMR and EPR study, is two orders of magnitude higher on [Gd(eptpa-bz-NO(2))(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(eptpa)(H(2)O)](2-) than on [Gd(dtpa)(H(2)O)](2-) (k(ex)298=150x10(6), 330x10(6), and 3.3x10(6) s(-1), respectively). This is optimal for attaining maximum proton relaxivities for Gd(III)-based, macrocyclic MRI contrast agents. The activation volume of the water exchange, measured by variable-pressure (17)O NMR spectroscopy, evidences a dissociative interchange mechanism for [Gd(eptpa)(H(2)O)](2-) (DeltaV(not equal sign)=(+6.6+/-1.0) cm(3) mol(-1)). In contrast to [Gd(eptpa)(H(2)O)](2-), an interchange mechanism is proved for the macrocyclic [Gd(trita)(H(2)O)](-) (DeltaV (not equal sign)=(-1.5+/-1.0) cm(3) mol(-1)), which has one more CH(2) group in the macrocycle than the commercial MRI contrast agent [Gd(dota)(H(2)O)](-), and for which the elongation of the amine backbone also resulted in a remarkably fast water exchange. When one acetate of DTPA(5-) is substituted by a propionate, the water exchange rate on the Gd(III) complex increases by a factor of 10 (k(ex)298=31x10(6) s(-1)). The [Gd(dptpa)](2-) chelate has no inner-sphere water molecule. The protonation constants of the EPTPA-bz-NO(2) (5-) and DPTPA(5-) ligands and the stability constants of their complexes with Gd(III), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Ca(II) were determined by pH potentiometry. Although the thermodynamic stability of [Gd(eptpa-bz-NO(2))(H(2)O)](2-) is reduced to a slight extent in comparison with [Gd(dtpa)(H(2)O)](2-), it is stable enough to be used in medical diagnostics as an MRI contrast agent. Therefore both this chelate and [Gd(trita)(H(2)O)](-) are potential building blocks for the development of high-relaxivity macromolecular agents.     

Unexpected aggregation of neutral, xylene-cored dinuclear GdIII chelates in aqueous solution

We have synthesized ditopic ligands L(1), L(2), and L(3) that contain two DO3A(3-) metal-chelating units with a xylene core as a noncoordinating linker (DO3A(3-) = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetate; L(1) = 1,4-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzene; L(2) = 1,3-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzene; L(3) = 3,5-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzoic acid). Aqueous solutions of the dinuclear Gd(III) complexes formed with the three ligands have been investigated in a variable-temperature, multiple-field (17)O NMR and (1)H relaxivity study. The (17)O longitudinal relaxation rates measured for the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes show strong field dependence (2.35-9.4 T), which unambiguously proves the presence of slowly tumbling entities in solution. The proton relaxivities of the complexes, which are unexpectedly high for their molecular weight, and in particular the relaxivity peaks observed at 40-50 MHz also constitute experimental evidences of slow rotational motion. This was explained in terms of self-aggregation related to hydrophobic interactions, pi stacking between the aromatic linkers, or possible hydrogen bonding between the chelates. The longitudinal (17)O relaxation rates of the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes have been analysed with the Lipari-Szabo approach, leading to local rotational correlation times tau(1)(298) of 150-250 ps and global rotational correlation times tau(g)(298) of 1.6-3.4 ns (c(Gd): 20-50 mM), where tau(1)(298) is attributed to local motions of the Gd segments, while tau(g)(298) describes the overall motion of the aggregates. The aggregates can be partially disrupted by phosphate addition; however, at high concentrations phosphate interferes in the first coordination sphere by replacing the coordinated water. In contrast to the parent [Gd(DO3A)(H2O)(1.9)], which presents a hydration equilibrium between mono- and dihydrated species, a hydration number of q = 1 was established for the [Ln(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] chelates by (17)O chemical shift measurements on Ln = Gd and UV/Vis spectrophotometry for Ln = Eu. The exchange rate of the coordinated water is higher for [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes k(ex)(298) = 7.5-12.0 x 10(6) s(-1)) than for [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)](-). The proton relaxivity of the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes strongly decreases with increasing pH. This is related to the deprotonation of the inner-sphere water, which has also been characterized by pH potentiometry. The protonation constants determined for this process are logK(OH) = 9.50 and 10.37 for [Gd(2)L(1)(H2O)(2)] and [Gd(2)L(3)(H2O)(2)], respectively.     

Towards Binuclear Polyaminocarboxylate MRI Contrast Agents? Spectroscopic and MD Study of the Peculiar Aqueous Behavior of the LnIII Chelates of OHEC (Ln=Eu,Gd, and Tb): Implications for Relaxivity

We report the study of binuclear Ln(III) chelates of OHEC (OHEC=octaazacyclohexacosane-1,4,7,10,14,17,20,23-octaacetate). The interconversion between two isomeric forms, which occurs in aqueous solution, has been studied by NMR, UV/Vis, EPR, and luminescence spectroscopy, as well as by classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. For the first time we have characterized an isomerization equilibrium for a Ln(III) polyaminocarboxylate complex (Ln(III)=Y, Eu, Gd and Tb) in which the metal centre changes its coordination number from nine to eight, such that: [Ln(2)(ohec)(H(2)O)(2)](2-) r<==>[Ln(2)(ohec)](2-)+2 H(2)O. The variable temperature and pressure NMR measurements conducted on this isomerization reaction give the following thermodynamic parameters for Eu(III): K(298)=0.42+/-0.01, DeltaH(0)=+4.0+/-0.2 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(0)=+6.1+/-0.5 J K(-1) mol(-1) and DeltaV(0)=+3.2+/-0.2 cm(3) mol(-1). The isomerization is slow and the corresponding kinetic parameters obtained by NMR spectroscopy are: k(298)(is)=73.0+/-0.5 s(-1), DeltaH++(is)=75.3+/-1.9 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS++(is)= +43.1+/-5.8 J K(-1) mol(-1) and DeltaV++(is)=+7.9+/-0.7 cm(3) mol(-1). Variable temperature and pressure (17)O NMR studies have shown that water exchange in [Gd(2)(ohec)(H(2)O)(2)](2-) is slow, k(298)(ex)=(0.40+/-0.02)x10(6) s(-1), and that it proceeds through a dissociative interchange I(d) mechanism, DeltaV( not equal )=+7.3+/-0.3 cm(3) mol(-1). The anisotropy of this oblong binuclear complex has been highlighted by MD simulation calculations of different rotational correlation times. The rotational correlation time directed on the Gd-Gd axis is 24 % longer than those based on the axes orthogonal to the Gd-Gd axis. The relaxivity of this binuclear complex has been found to be low, since 1) only [Gd(2)(ohec)(H(2)O)(2)](2-), which constitutes 70 % of the binuclear complex, contributes to the inner-sphere relaxivity and 2) the anisotropy of the complex prevents water molecules from having complete access to both Gd(III) cages; this decreases the outer-sphere relaxivity. Moreover, EPR measurements for the Gd(III) and for the mixed Gd(III)/Y(III) binuclear complexes have clearly shown that the two Gd(III) centres interact intramolecularly; this enhances the electronic relaxation of the Gd(III) electron spins.     

The gadolinium(III)-water hydrogen distance in MRI contrast agents

The ion-nuclear distance of Gd(III) to a coordinated water proton, r(Gd)(-)(H), is central to the understanding of the efficacy of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents. The dipolar relaxation mechanism operative for contrast agents has a 1/r(6) dependence. Estimates in the literature for this distance span 0.8 A (2.5-3.3 A). This study describes a direct determination of r(Gd)(-)(H) using the anisotropic hyperfine constant T( perpendicular ) determined from pulsed ENDOR spectra. Five Gd(III) complexes were examined: [Gd(H(2)O)(8)](3+), [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2)(-), [Gd(BOPTA)(H(2)O)](2)(-), MS-325, and [Gd(HP-DO3A)(H(2)O)]. The distance, r(Gd)(-)(H), was the same within error for all five complexes: 3.1 +/- 0.1 A. These distance estimates should aid in the design of new contrast agents, and in the interpretation of other molecular factors influencing relaxivity.     

17O nuclear quadrupole coupling constants of water bound to a metal ion: a gadolinium(III) case study

Rotational correlation times of metal ion aqua complexes can be determined from 17O NMR relaxation rates if the quadrupole coupling constant of the bound water oxygen-17 nucleus is known. The rotational correlation time is an important parameter for the efficiency of Gd3+ complexes as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. Using a combination of density functional theory with classical and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations we performed a computational study of the 17O quadrupole coupling constants in model aqua ions and the [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- complex used in clinical diagnostics. For the inner sphere water molecule in the [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- complex the determined quadrupole coupling parameter chi square root of (1 + eta2/3) of 8.7 MHz is very similar to that of the liquid water (9.0 MHz). Very close values were also predicted for the the homoleptic aqua ions of Gd3+ and Ca2+. We conclude that the 17O quadrupole coupling parameters of water molecules coordinated to closed shell and lanthanide metal ions are similar to water molecules in the liquid state.     

1H and (17)O NMR detection of a lanthanide-bound water molecule at ambient temperatures in pure water as solvent

Lanthanide complexes of a tetra-amide derivative of DOTA (structure 4 in text) with four extended carboxymethyl esters have been characterized by X-ray crystallography and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. [Eu(4)(H(2)O)](triflate)(3) crystallized from water in the monoclinic, P(21/)(c) space group (a = 10.366 A, b = 22.504 A, c = 23.975 A, and beta = 97.05 degrees ). The Eu(3+) cation is bound to four macrocyclic nitrogen atoms (mean Eu-N = 2.627 A) and four amide oxygen atoms (mean Eu-O(amide) = 2.335 A) in a square antiprismatic geometry with a twist angle of 38.5 degrees between the N4 and O4 planes. A single bound water molecule (Eu-O(W) = 2.414 A) occupies a typical monocapped position on the O4 surface. In pure water, resonances corresponding to a single Eu(3+)-bound water molecule were observed in the (1)H (53 ppm) and (17)O (-897 ppm) NMR spectra of [Eu(4)(H(2)O)](triflate)(3) at 25 degrees C. A fit of the temperature-dependent Eu(3+)-bound (1)H and (17)O water resonance line widths in acetonitrile-d(3) (containing 4% v/v (17)O enriched water) gave identical lifetimes (tau(m)(298)) of 789 +/- 50 micros (in water as solvent; a line shape analysis of the Eu(3+)-bound water resonance gave a tau(m)(298) = 382 +/- 5 micros). Slow water exchange was also evidenced by the water proton relaxivity of Gd(4) (R(1) = 2.2 mM(-1) s(-1), a value characteristic of pure outer-sphere relaxation at 25 degrees C). With increasing temperature, the inner-sphere contribution gradually increased due to accelerated chemical exchange between bound water and bulk water protons. A fitting of the relaxation data (T(1)) to standard SBM theory gave a water proton lifetime (tau(m)(298)) of 159 micros, somewhat shorter than the value determined by high-resolution (1)H and (17)O NMR of Eu(4). Exchange of the bound water protons in Gd(4) with bulk water protons was catalyzed by addition of exogenous phosphate at 25 degrees C (R(1) increased to 10.0 mM(-1) s(-1) in the presence of 1500-fold excess HPO(4)(2-)).     

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of carbon backbone modified [Gd(TTDA)(H2O)]2- derivatives

The present study was designed to exploit optimum lipophilicity and high water-exchange rate (k(ex)) on low molecular weight Gd(III) complexes to generate high bound relaxivity (r(1)(b)), upon binding to the lipophilic site of human serum albumin (HSA). Two new carbon backbone modified TTDA (3,6,10-tri(carboxymethyl)-3,6,10-triazadodecanedioic acid) derivatives, CB-TTDA and Bz-CB-TTDA, were synthesized. The complexes [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) both display high stability constant (log K(GdL) = 20.28 and 20.09, respectively). Furthermore, CB-TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 4.22) and Bz-CB-TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 4.12) exhibit superior selectivity of Gd(III) against Zn(II) than those of TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 2.93), EPTPA-bz-NO(2) (log K(Gd/Zn) = 3.19), and DTPA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 3.76). However, the stability constant values of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) are lower than that of MS-325. The parameters that affect proton relaxivity have been determined in a combined variable temperature (17)O NMR and NMRD study. The water exchange rates are comparable for the two complexes, 232 × 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and 271 × 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). They are higher than those of [Gd(TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) (146 × 10(6) s(-1)), [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) (4.1 × 10(6) s(-1)), and MS-325 (6.1 × 10(6) s(-1)). Elevated stability and water exchange rate indicate that the presence of cyclobutyl on the carbon backbone imparts rigidity and steric constraint to [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-)and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). In addition, the major objective for selecting the cyclobutyl is to tune the lipophilicity of [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). The binding affinity of [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) to HSA was evaluated by ultrafiltration study across a membrane with a 30 kDa MW cutoff, and the first three stepwise binding constants were determined by fitting the data to a stoichiometric model. The binding association constants (K(A)) for [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) are 1.1 × 10(2) and 1.5 × 10(3), respectively. Although the K(A) value for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) is lower than that of MS-325 (K(A) = 3.0 × 10(4)), the r(1)(b) value, r(1)(b) = 66.7 mM(-1) s(-1) for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), is significantly higher than that of MS-325 (r(1)(b) = 47.0 mM(-1) s(-1)). As measured by the Zn(II) transmetalation process, the kinetic stabilities of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), and [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) are similar and are significantly higher than that of [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H(2)O)](2-). High thermodynamic and kinetic stability and optimized lipophilicity of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) make it a favorable blood pool contrast agent for MRI.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance and Mössbauer spectroscopy and density functional theory analysis of a high-spin Fe(IV)-oxo complex

High-spin Fe(IV)-oxo species are known to be kinetically competent oxidants in non-heme iron enzymes. The properties of these oxidants are not as well understood as the corresponding intermediate-spin oxidants of heme complexes. The present work gives a detailed characterization of the structurally similar complexes [Fe(IV)H(3)buea(O)](-), [Fe(III)H(3)buea(O)](2-), and [Fe(III)H(3)buea(OH)](-) (H(3)buea = tris[(N'-tert-butylureaylato)-N-ethylene]aminato) using M?ssbauer and dual-frequency/dual-mode electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. The [Fe(IV)H(3)buea(O)](-) complex has a high-spin (S = 2) configuration imposed by the C(3)-symmetric ligand. The EPR spectra of the [Fe(IV)H(3)buea(O)](-) complex presented here represent the first documented examples of an EPR signal from an Fe(IV)-oxo complex, demonstrating the ability to detect and quantify Fe(IV) species with EPR spectroscopy. Quantitative simulations allowed the determination of the zero-field parameter, D = +4.7 cm(-1), and the species concentration. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the zero-field parameter were found to be in agreement with the experimental value and indicated that the major contribution to the D value is from spin-orbit coupling of the ground state with an excited S = 1 electronic configuration at 1.2 eV. (17)O isotope enrichment experiments allowed the determination of the hyperfine constants ((17)O)A(z) = 10 MHz for [Fe(IV)H(3)buea(O)](-) and ((17)O)A(y) = 8 MHz, ((17)O)A(z) = 12 MHz for [Fe(III)H(3)buea(OH)](-). The isotropic hyperfine constant (((17)O)A(iso) = -16.8 MHz) was derived from the experimental value to allow a quantitative determination of the spin polarization (ρ(p) = 0.56) of the oxo p orbitals of the Fe-oxo bond in [Fe(IV)H(3)buea(O)](-). This is the first experimental determination for non-heme complexes and indicates significant covalency in the Fe-oxo bond. High-field M?ssbauer spectroscopy gave an (57)Fe A(dip) tensor of (+5.6, +5.3, -10.9) MHz and A(iso) = -25.9 MHz for the [Fe(IV)H(3)buea(O)](-) complex, and the results of DFT calculations were in agreement with the nuclear parameters of the complex.     

Physicochemical characterization of the dimeric lanthanide complexes [en{Ln(DO3A)(H2O)}2] and [pi{Ln(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2-: a variable-temperature 17O NMR study

The Gd(III) complexes of the two dimeric ligands [en(DO3A)2] {N,N'-bis[1,4,7-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-10-yl-methylcarbonyl]-N,N'-ethylenediamine} and [pi(DTTA)2]8- [bisdiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine)] were synthesized and characterized. The 17O NMR chemical shift of H2O induced by [en{Dy(DO3A)}2] and [pi{Dy(DTTA)}2]2- at pH 6.80 proved the presence of 2.1 and 2.2 inner-sphere water molecules, respectively. Water proton spin-lattice relaxation rates for [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- at 37.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 20 MHz are 3.60 +/- 0.05 and 5.25 +/- 0.05 mM(-1) s(-1) per Gd, respectively. The EPR transverse electronic relaxation rate and 17O NMR transverse relaxation time for the exchange lifetime of the coordinated H2O molecule and the 2H NMR longitudinal relaxation rate of the deuterated diamagnetic lanthanum complex for the rotational correlation time were thoroughly investigated, and the results were compared with those reported previously for other lanthanide(III) complexes. The exchange lifetimes for [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] (769 +/- 10 ns) and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- (910 +/- 10 ns) are significantly higher than those of [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- (243 ns) and [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- (303 ns) complexes. The rotational correlation times for [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] (150 +/- 11 ps) and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- (130 +/- 12 ps) are slightly greater than those of [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- (77 ps) and [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- (58 ps) complexes. The marked increase in relaxivity (r1) of [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- result mainly from their longer rotational correlation time and higher molecular weight.     

A benzene-core trinuclear GdIII complex: towards the optimization of relaxivity for MRI contrast agent applications at high magnetic field

A novel ligand, H(12)L, based on a trimethylbenzene core bearing three methylenediethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate moieties (-CH(2)DTTA(4-)) for Gd(3+) chelation has been synthesized, and its trinuclear Gd(3+) complex [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) investigated with respect to MRI contrast agent applications. A multiple-field, variable-temperature (17)O NMR and proton relaxivity study on [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) yielded the parameters characterizing water exchange and rotational dynamics. On the basis of the (17)O chemical shifts, bishydration of Gd(3+) could be evidenced. The water exchange rate, k(ex)(298)=9.0+/-3.0 s(-1) is around twice as high as k(ex)(298) of the commercial [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) and comparable to those on analogous Gd(3+)-DTTA chelates. Despite the relatively small size of the complex, the rotational dynamics had to be described with the Lipari-Szabo approach, by separating global and local motions. The difference between the local and global rotational correlation times, tau(lO)(298)=170+/-10 ps and tau(gO)(298)=540+/-100 ps respectively, shows that [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) is not fully rigid; its flexibility originates from the CH(2) linker between the benzene core and the poly(amino carboxylate) moiety. As a consequence of the two inner-sphere water molecules per Gd(3+), their close to optimal exchange rate and the appropriate size and limited flexibility of the molecule, [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) has remarkable proton relaxivities when compared with commercial contrast agents, particularly at high magnetic fields (r(1)=21.6, 17.0 and 10.7 mM(-1)s(-1) at 60, 200 and 400 MHz respectively, at 25 degrees C; r(1) is the paramagnetic enhancement of the longitudinal water proton relaxation rate, referred to 1 mM concentration of Gd(3+)).     

How does internal motion influence the relaxation of the water protons in Ln(III)DOTA-like complexes?

Taking advantage of the Curie contribution to the relaxation of the protons in the Tb(III) complex, and the quadrupolar relaxation of the 17O and 2H nuclei on the Eu(III) complex, the effect of the internal motion of the water molecule bound to [Ln(DOTAM)(H2O)]3+ complexes was quantified. The determination of the quadrupolar coupling constant of the bound water oxygen chi(Omicron)(1 + eta(Omicron)2/3)1/2 = 5.2 +/- 0.5 MHz allows a new analysis of the 17O and 1H NMR data of the [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- complex with different rotational correlation times for the Gd(III)-O(water) and Gd(III)-H(water) vectors. The ratio of the rotational correlation times for the Ln(III)-H(water) vector and the overall rotational correlation time is calculated tau(RH)/tau(RO) = 0.65 +/- 0.2. This could have negative consequences on the water proton relaxivity, which we discuss in particular for macromolecular systems. It appears that the final effect is actually attenuated and should be around 10% for such large systems undergoing local motion of the chelating groups.     

Phosphinic derivative of DTPA conjugated to a G5 PAMAM dendrimer: an 17O and 1H relaxation study of its Gd(III) complex

A DTPA-based chelate containing one phosphinate group was conjugated to a generation 5 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer via a benzylthiourea linkage. The Gd(III) complex of this novel conjugate has potential as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The chelates bind Gd3+via three nitrogen atoms, four carboxylates and one phosphinate oxygen, and one water molecule completes the inner coordination sphere. The monomer Gd(III) chelates bearing nitrobenzyl and aminobenzyl groups ([Gd(DTTAP-bz-NO2)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-) as well as the dendrimeric Gd(III) complex G5-(Gd(DTTAP))63) were studied by multiple-field, variable temperature 17O and 1H NMR. The rate of water exchange is faster than that of [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- and very similar on the two monomeric complexes (8.9 and 8.3 x 10(6) s-1 for [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NO2)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-, respectively), while it is decreased on the dendrimeric conjugate (5.0 x 10(6) s-1). The Gd(III) complex of the dendrimer conjugate has a relaxivity of 26.8 mM-1 s-1 at 37 degrees C and 0.47 T (corresponding to 1H Larmor frequency of 20 MHz). Given the contribution of the second sphere water molecules to the overall relaxivity, this value is slightly higher than those reported for similar size dendrimers. The experimental 17O and 1H NMR data were fitted to the Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan equations extended with a contribution from second coordination sphere water molecules. The rotational dynamics of the dendrimeric conjugate was described in terms of global and local motions with the Lipari-Szabo approach.