Preparation,characterization and biodistribution of the 99mTc-salicylidenediamine-N-dione complex

A tetradentate set of N₂O₂ salicylaldehyde-amine-N-dione Schiff base was prepared by condensation with salicylaldehyde, ethylenediamine, 2,4-dione and reduction with NaBH₄. The ligand system was characterized by ¹H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy and HPLC. Radiolabeling studies of the ^99mTc-complex were performed using stannous ions as the reducing agent. The purity of the complex was determined by ascending solvent system on paper chromatography and instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC). The yield of the complex was >90%. Biodistribution of the ^99mTc-complex of the precursor was studied in rabbits. A significant uptake and retention of injected activity was observed in the liver and cleared through the bladder. A faint activity was also observed in kidneys. These results indicate that the proposed system may be suitable for development of a liver/spleen imaging agent for future clinical applications.