Radiopharmaceutical preparation of L-6-[123I]-iodo-m-tyrosine a potential SPECT brain imaging agent

A method for radiopharmaceutical preparation of L-6-[¹²³I]-iodo-m-tyrosine a potential SPECT brain imaging agent is described. The method is based on direct electrophilic radioiodination of L-m-tyrosine with [¹²³I] NaI/chloramine-T (CAT) and small amount of KI as a carrier at pH 1.0 where L-6-[¹²³I]-iodo-m-tyrosine is the predominant isomer. A high radiochemical yield of L-6-[¹²³I]-iodo-m-tyrosine up to 70% has been achieved by adding small amount of KI (0.001 g) as a carrier to the reaction mixture. The pure 6-isomer was separated by reverse phase radio high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) on RP-18 column using 0.02M sodium acetate/ethanol (9010) adjusted to pH 3.9 with glacial acetic acid at a flow rate 2 ml/min. According to the signals of the UV detector (=254) the 6-isomer was eluted at a retention time 12.5 minutes,K=6. The eluted fraction of L-6-[¹²³I]-m-tyrosine pooled together, evaporated under reduced pressure, then dissolved in 5 ml isotonic phosphate buffer and sterilized by passing through 0.22 m millipore filter. The sterile solution was now ready for nuclear medical applications. The biological distribution of L-6-[¹²³I]-iodo-m-tyrosine in mice was studied. The results showed that 3% of the injected dose is taken up in dopamine rich striatum 30 minutes after injection and not in norepinephrine-rich hypothalamus.     

Synthesis of [125I]iodoclorgyline, a selective monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, and its biodistribution in mice.

A new radioiodinated monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) specific inhibitor, [125I]iodoclorgyline, was synthesized from its tin precursor by iododestannylation reaction using sodium [125I]iodide and hydrogen peroxide with high yield and site specificity. The product possessed a high radiochemical purity as well as high specific activity. The method can be readily applicable for labeling with 123I, a very suitable radioisotope for in vivo imaging with single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). Biodistribution studies of the [125I]iodoclorgyline in mice showed high initial uptake in the brain, and brain radioactivity reached a constant level at 60 min after intravenous injection. The results suggested that [125I]iodoclorgyline might have potential as a radiopharmaceutical for MAO-A studies in the brain with SPECT.     

Performance of gamma camera collimators used for single photon emission computed tomography imaging with 123I-isopropyl iodoamphetamine

123I Produced by 124Te(p, 2n)123I reaction is contaminated with 124I (less than 5%) and 126I (less than 0.3%). High energy photons from these mixed radioiodine compromise seriously image quality due to scattered photons and to septal penetration in the collimator. Four collimators of LEAP (for low energy all purpose), LEHR (for low energy high resolution), MESI (for medium energy made by Siemens) and MENU (for medium energy made by nuclear technology) mounted on a rotating gamma camera (Siemens, ZLC-7500), were examined in order to select a suitable collimator for 123I SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging. Sensitivities were measured with a plane source (5 X 5 X 0.5 cm) at the collimator face and distances from 2 to 30 cm in air. And, spatial resolutions in FWHM (full width at half maximum) and FWTM (full width at tenth maximum) were determined from line spread functions with planar and SPECT imaging. From the comparison of collimator performances with 99mTc and 123I, both collimators for low energy were not useful for 123I imaging. In other two collimators for medium energy, however, apparently the effect of septal penetration by the higher energy photons were also recognized, MENU with high geometrical resolution was more suitable for 123I SPECT imaging compared with MESI. And, it is important to perform the SPECT imaging with radius as short as possible.     

(E)-5-styryl-1H-indole and (E)-6-styrylquinoline derivatives serve as probes for β-amyloid plaques

We report the synthesis and biological evaluation of novel (E)-5-styryl-1H-indole and (E)-6-styrylquinoline derivatives as probes for imaging β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques. These derivatives showed binding affinities for Aβ???? aggregates with K(i) values varying from 4.1 to 288.4 nM. (E)-5-(4-iodostyryl)-1H-indole (8) clearly stained Aβ plaques in the brain sections of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice (APP/PS1). Furthermore, autoradiography for [12?I]8 displayed intense and specific labeling of Aβ plaques in the brain sections mentioned above with low background. In biodistribution experiments using normal mice [12?I]8 showed high initial brain uptake followed by rapid washout (4.27 and 0.64% ID/g at 2 and 30 min post injection, respectively). These findings suggests that [123I]8 may be a potential SPECT imaging agent for detecting Aβ plaques in AD brain.     

Synthesis and characterization of radioiodinated MD-230254: a new ligand for potential imaging of monoamine oxidase B activity by single photon emission computed tomography

A series of iodinated analogues of MD-230254 was synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory potency and selectivity toward monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Among them, 5-[4-(2-iodobenzyloxy)phenyl]-3-(cyanoethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)one (2-IBPO) was found to have high inhibitory potency and selectivity toward MAO-B (IC50=2.0 nM, MAO-A/MAO-B >50000). Analysis of the inhibition kinetics indicated that 2-IBPO acts in a two-step mechanism as a competitive, slow, and tight-binding inhibitor of MAO-B with a Ki value of 2.4 nM and an overall Ki* value at an equilibrium of 3.8 nM. The new radioligand for MAO-B, [125I]2-IBPO was conveniently synthesized from a tributylstannyl precursor by an iododestannylation reaction using sodium [125I]iodide and hydrogen peroxide with high radiochemical yield. The in vivo tissue distribution studies of [125I]2-IBPO demonstrated its high initial uptake and prolonged retention in the brain. A selective interaction of [125I]2-IBPO with MAO-B was confirmed by the pretreatment experiment with well known MAO specific inhibitors, l-deprenyl, Ro-16-6491, clorgyline, and Ro-41-1049. These very desirable characteristics of [125I]2-IBPO suggested that a 123I-labeled counterpart, [123I]2-IBPO, would have great potential in in vivo studies of MAO-B in the human brain with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).     

Production, quality control and pharmacokinetic studies of 177Lu–zoledronate for bone pain palliation therapy

A new dipeptide derivative, ethyl 2-(3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2-(4-phenyl-5-((pyridin-4-ylamino)methyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)acetamido)propanamido)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate (EHPTIP) was successfully synthesized and radiolabeled with ¹²⁵I by the direct electrophilic substitution method. The non radiolabeled compound (EHPTIP) was tested as an antimicrobial agent and the radiolabeled derivative was tested as a new imaging agent. The study results showed a good antimicrobial activity of EHPTIP and a good in vitro and in vivo stability of ¹²⁵I-EHPTIP. The biodistribution of the radiolabeled compound showed a high brain uptake of 7.60 ± 0.01 injected activity/g tissue organ at 30 min post-injection and retention in brain remained high up to 1 h, whereas the clearance from the normal mice appeared to proceed via the renal system. Such brain uptake is better than that of currently used radiopharmaceuticals for brain imaging (^99mTc-ECD and ^99mTc-HMPAO). As a conclusion, EHPTIP is a newly synthesized dipeptide with a good antimicrobial activity and the radioiodinated EHPTIP which is labeled with ¹²³I could be used as a novel agent for brain SPECT.     

Chromatographic analysis of dopamine metabolism in a Parkinsonian model

The present study examined the metabolism of released dopamine from rat striatum upon chronic rotenone exposure. The sample separation was carried out by two-dimensional, reversed-phase and ion pair reversed-phase chromatography using on-line solid phase extraction enrichment. Reduced dopamine content and decreased extracellular level of [(3)H] and endogenous dopamine evoked by electrical stimulation indicated the injury of dopaminergic pathway. Sensitivity of dopaminergic neurons were increased to oxidative stress with enhanced release of dopamine and formation of oxidized metabolite dopamine quinone (DAQ). Utilizing multidimensional detection, EC at -100 mV reduction potential, the method has been applied for identification of DAQ and aminochrome (DAC).     

[124I]IBETA: A New Aβ Plaque Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Agent for Alzheimer’s Disease

Several fluorine-18-labeled PET β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque radiotracers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are in clinical use. However, no radioiodinated imaging agent for Aβ plaques has been successfully moved forward for either single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Radioiodinated pyridyl benzofuran derivatives for the SPECT imaging of Aβ plaques using iodine-123 and iodine-125 are being pursued. In this study, we assess the iodine-124 radioiodinated pyridyl benzofuran derivative 5-(5-[¹²⁴I]iodobenzofuran-2-yl)-N,N-dimethylpyridin-2-amine ([¹²⁴I]IBETA) (Ki = 2.36 nM) for utilization in PET imaging for Aβ plaques. We report our findings on the radioiododestannylation reaction used to prepare [^124/125I]IBETA and evaluate its binding to Aβ plaques in a 5 × FAD mouse model and postmortem human AD brain. Both [¹²⁵I]IBETA and [¹²⁴I]IBETA are produced in >25% radiochemical yield and >85% radiochemical purity. The in vitro binding of [¹²⁵I]IBETA and [¹²⁴I]IBETA in transgenic 5 × FAD mouse model for Aβ plaques was high in the frontal cortex, anterior cingulate, thalamus, and hippocampus, which are regions of high Aβ accumulation, with very little binding in the cerebellum (ratio of brain regions to cerebellum was >5). The in vitro binding of [¹²⁵I]IBETA and [¹²⁴I]IBETA in postmortem human AD brains was higher in gray matter containing Aβ plaques compared to white matter (ratio of gray to white matter was >5). Anti-Aβ immunostaining strongly correlated with [¹²⁴/¹²⁵I]IBETA regional binding in both the 5 × FAD mouse and postmortem AD human brains. The binding of [¹²⁴/¹²⁵I]IBETA in 5 × FAD mouse and postmortem human AD brains was displaced by the known Aβ plaque imaging agent, Flotaza. Preliminary PET/CT studies of [¹²⁴I]IBETA in the 5 × FAD mouse model suggested [¹²⁴I]IBETA was relatively stable in vivo with a greater localization of [¹²⁴I]IBETA in the brain regions with a high concentration of Aβ plaques. Some deiodination was observed at later time points. Therefore, [¹²⁴I]IBETA may potentially be a useful PET radioligand for Aβ plaques in brain studies.     

A modified method for no carrier added radioiodination of L-tyrosine via chloramine-T as an oxidizing agent

A modified method for the preparation of L-[^131/123I] iodotyrosine as a brain imaging agent is described. The method is based on direct electrophilic radioiodination of L-tyrosine with NaI [^131/123I] using chloramine-T (CAT) and 0.001 g KI as a carrier at pH 7.0. The product was purified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A high radiochemical yield up to 85% of L-[^131/123I] iodotyrosine has been achieved with radiochemical purity of greater than 97%. The relation between the pKa of L-tyrosine and pH of the reaction medium was calculated in order to correlate the radiochemical yield of L-[^131/123I] iodotyrosine and the state of the three ionizable groups of L-tyrosine. Also, the influence of the reaction conditions on the radiochemical yield of L-[^131/123I] iodotyrosine was investigated.     

A Review on the Current State and Future Perspectives of [99mTc]Tc-Housed PSMA-i in Prostate Cancer

Recently, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has gained momentum in tumor nuclear molecular imaging as an excellent target for both the diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer. Since 2008, after years of preclinical research efforts, a plentitude of radiolabeled compounds mainly based on low molecular weight PSMA inhibitors (PSMA-i) have been described for imaging and theranostic applications, and some of them have been transferred to the clinic. Most of these compounds include radiometals (e.g., ⁶⁸Ga, ⁶⁴Cu, ¹⁷⁷Lu) for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging or endoradiotherapy. Nowadays, although the development of new PET tracers has caused a significant drop in single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) research programs and the development of new technetium-99m (^99mTc) tracers is rare, this radionuclide remains the best atom for SPECT imaging owing to its ideal physical decay properties, convenient availability, and rich and versatile coordination chemistry. Indeed, ^99mTc still plays a relevant role in diagnostic nuclear medicine, as the number of clinical examinations based on ^99mTc outscores that of PET agents and ^99mTc-PSMA SPECT/CT may be a cost-effective alternative for ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT. This review aims to give an overview of the specific features of the developed [^99mTc]Tc-tagged PSMA agents with particular attention to [^99mTc]Tc-PSMA-i. The chemical and pharmacological properties of the latter will be compared and discussed, highlighting the pros and cons with respect to [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA11.     

Effect of brain lesions on [3H]ohmefentanyl binding site densities in the rat striatum and substantia nigra.

We have recently demonstrated that [3H]ohmefentanyl, a non-peptidergic opioid ligand which was suggested to cross the blood brain barrier in contrast to other peptidergic opioid ligands, bound not only to mu opioid receptor sites but also to sigma sites. In order to examine whether [3H]ohmefentanyl can be used as a marker for mu sites, we investigated the effects of brain lesions on [3H]ohmefentanyl binding site densities, as compared with [3H][D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin ([3H]DAGO), a selective mu ligand. These binding site densities were measured by quantitative autoradiography in the rat striatum and substantia nigra, two brain structures known to contain a high density of mu receptors, following lesions of the nigro-striatal dopaminergic pathway and striatal intrinsic neurons. Following unilateral nigral lesion with 6-hydroxydopamine, [3H]ohmefentanyl binding site densities were decreased in the patches (-35%) and matrix (-20%) of the ipsilateral striatum and in the lesioned substantia nigra pars compacta (-49%). Unilateral striatal lesion with quinolinic acid induced 72%, 61% and 50% decreases in [3H]ohmefentanyl binding in the patches and matrix of the lesioned striatum and in the ipsilateral substantia nigra pars reticulata, respectively. Similar results were obtained in the binding of [3H]DAGO. Indeed, a significant linear correlation was observed between [3H]ohmefentanyl and [3H]DAGO binding site densities. Therefore, mu opioid receptors may be mainly located on intrinsic neurons in the striatum, dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta and nerve terminals of striatal efferents in the substantia nigra pars reticulata.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Simple preparation of76Br,123I and211At labeled 5-halo-2′-deoxyuridine

A fast and easy method for the preparation of radiolabeled 5-halo-2-deoxyuridine (halo=[⁷⁶Br], [¹²³I] and [²¹¹At]) is presented. Labeling is accomplished by oxidation of the halogenide with Iodogen for [¹²³I] and [²¹¹At], and Chloramine-T (CAT) for [⁷⁶Br] followed by halodestannylation of 5-trimethylstannyl-2-deoxyuridine (TMSUdR). The reaction takes 1 minute giving >90% yield for all three halogens.     

Radiolabeled peptide probe for tumor imaging

Radionuclide imaging is now the premier imaging method in clinical practice for its high sensitivity and tomographic capability. Current clinically available radio imaging methods mostly use positron-emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to detect anatomic abnormalities that conventional imaging techniques typically have challenges for visualizing. Contrast agents are indispensable for radionuclide imaging, and the radionuclide is always attached to a suitable vector that achieves targeted delivery. Nowadays, peptides have attracted increasing interest in targeting vectors of contrast agents, mainly due to their high specificity for target receptors at nanomolar concentrations and low toxicity. Radiolabeled peptide probes as kinds of PET/SPECT tracers had become essential tools for clinical radionuclide diagnosis. This review mainly summarizes radiolabeled peptide probes for bioimaging, including fundamental concepts of radiolabeled peptide probe design, some typical peptide analogs radiocontrast agents for PET, SPECT, and the combination imaging.     

Preparation and Evaluation of Novel Folate Isonitrile 99mTc Complexes as Potential Tumor Imaging Agents to Target Folate Receptors

In order to seek novel technetium-99m folate receptor-targeting agents, two folate derivatives (CN5FA and CNPFA) were synthesized and radiolabeled to obtain [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA complexes, which exhibited high radiochemical purity (>95%) without purification, hydrophilicity, and good stability in vitro. The KB cell competitive binding experiments indicated that [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specificity to folate receptor. Biodistribution studies in KB tumor-bearing mice illustrated that [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specific tumor uptake. Compared with [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA, the tumor/muscle ratios of [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA were higher, resulting in a better SPECT/CT imaging background. According to the results, the two ^99mTc complexes have potential as tumor imaging agents to target folate receptors.     

Radiolabeled oligonucleotides for antisense imaging

Oligonucleotides radiolabeled with isotopes emitting γ-rays (for SPECT imaging) or positrons (for PET imaging) can be useful for targeting messenger RNA (mRNA) thereby serving as non-invasive imaging tools for detection of gene expression in vivo (antisense imaging). Radiolabeled oligonucleotides may also be used for monitoring their in vivo fate, thereby helping us better understand the barriers to its delivery for antisense targeting. These developments have led to a new area of molecular imaging and targeting, utilizing radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotides. However, the success of antisense imaging relies heavily on overcoming the barriers for its targeted delivery in vivo. Furthermore, the low ability of the radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotide to subsequently internalize into the cell and hybridize with its target mRNA poses additional challenges in realizing its potentials. This review covers the advances in the antisense imaging probe development for PET and SPECT, with an emphasis on radiolabeling strategies, stability, delivery and in vivo targeting.     

Automated method to estimate catecholamine and indoleamine content and turnover rates

A double-label isotopic method for estimation of the rate of formation of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in mouse striatum, hippocampus and cortex was standardized. Mice received an intravenous pulse injection of [3H]tryptophan (TRP) and [3H]tyrosine (TYR) at 2.5, 5, 10 or 20 min before sacrifice by microwave irradiation. Compounds of interest were separated by automated high-performance liquid chromatography and their contents were determined by electrochemical detection. Programmed collection of the TYR, DA, 5-HT and TRP peaks allowed determination of their radioactivity by liquid scintillation. Conversion of [3H]TYR to [3H]DA was nearly ten times greater in striatum than cortex, whereas the formation of [3H]5-HT from [3H]TRP was similar in striatum, cortex and hippocampus.     

多巴胺受体显像剂 18F-Fethypride的合成、 放射性标记及生物分布

以香草酸甲酯为原料, 经过7步反应合成了前体化合物(S)-3-[5-{(1-乙基-2-吡咯烷基)甲基胺甲基}-2,3-二甲氧基苯基]丙基-4-甲基苯磺酸酯, 采用NMR和HRMS对其进行了表征; 通过¹⁸F标记合成了新型高亲和力的多巴胺受体显像剂¹⁸F-(S)-N-{(1-乙基2-吡咯烷基)甲基}-3-(3-氟丙基)-4,5-二甲氧基苯甲酰胺(¹⁸F-Fethypride). 该显像剂的合成时间为35 min, 放化产率为(36.8±1.4)%(n=6), 放化纯度经HPLC法检测为99%, TLC法检测为100%, 无菌实验、 鲎试剂检测、 K2.2.2含量检测和急性毒性实验均合格. 纹状体/小脑(Str/Cer)比值90 min达到最高(10.68±0.35), 可作为多巴胺受体显像剂用于诊断神经系统疾病.     

Simple, rapid and reliable preparation of [¹¹C]-(+)-α-DTBZ of high quality for routine applications

[11C]-(+)-α-DTBZ has been used as a marker of dopaminergic terminal densities in human striatum and expressed in islet beta cells in the pancreas. We aimed to establish a fully automated and simple procedure for the synthesis of [11C]-(+)-α-DTBZ for routine applications. [11C]-(+)-α-DTBZ was synthesized from a 9-hydroxy precursor in acetone and potassium hydroxide with [11C]-methyl triflate and was purified by solid phase extraction using a Vac tC-18 cartridge. Radiochemical yields based on [11C]-methyl triflate (corrected for decay) were 82.3% ± 3.6%, with a specific radioactivity of 60 GBq/μmol. Time elapsed was less than 20 min from end of bombardment to release of the product for quality control.     

Experimental study on the collimator for increasing the resolution of N-isopropyl-p-(123I)iodoamphetamine (IMP) SPECT imaging of the brain

This study was carried out to design a new collimator for the present 123I-IMP SPECT imaging of the brain, which is hindered by the contamination of 124I and 126I. In this study we intended to increase spacial resolution along the transaxial direction and, at the same time, to compensate for the decrease of sensitivity by sacrificing the resolution along the axial direction to some extent. For this purpose, we developed 4 kinds of slat type units; ultrahigh resolution (UHR), high resolution (HR), high sensitivity (HS), and ultrahigh sensitivity (UHS). In practice, either UHR or HR is set to the detector together with either HS or UHS. After testing 4 kinds of combinations, we found that the combination of UHR-HS gave us far better images than those obtained with the conventional medium energy parallel hole collimator and was best suited for 123I-IMP SPECT imaging of the brain at present. We are now thinking of fusing these two units together into one collimator.     

Astatine-211 labelled proteins and their stability in vivo

In an ongoing effort to obtain quantitative, rapid kit type labelling of [¹²³I] radiopharmaceuticals, we have examined organomercury precursors of [¹²³I] 15-(para-iodophenyl)-pentadecanoic acid (IPPA). Chloromercuri derivatives of phenyl pentadecanoic acid (PPA) and the PPA ethyl ester were obtained by mercuration utilizing mercuric trifluoroacetate in trifluoroacetic acid followed by treatment with acetic acid and hydrochloric acid. The most simple compound, chloromercuri PPA, proved insoluble at room temperature in the common solvents useful for radioiodination and purification. The study was extended in a systematic way to chloromercuri PPA ethyl ester and the acetoxy mercuri PPA ethyl ester. As expected, these two compounds posessed successively more useful ranges of solvent compatibility. Iodination and [¹²³I] radioiodination were carried out with the three compounds of PPA. Chloromercuri PPA was dissolved with difficulty in acetic acid at 70°C and 71% radiochemical yield of [¹²³I] IPPA was obtained during the course of a 5 minute reaction utilizing chloramine T. The chloromercuri PPA ethyl ester was dissolved in ethyl acetate/acetic acid (2/1 v/v) at room temperature and 87% radiochemical yield of [¹²³I] IPPA was obtained following 10 minutes reaction. With the acetoxy mercuri PPA ethyl ester it was possible to conduct the radioiodination in ethanol again using chloramine T. A modest radiochemical yield (r. y.) (51%) of [¹²³I] IPPA ethyl ester was obtained after 60 min. It was possible to enhance the radiochemical yield in the presence of lithium acetate (84% r. y.). The isomeric purity of the [¹²³I] IPPA ethyl ester was unexpectedly high (99.9% para) when the radioiodination was conducted at room temperature.