Maternal and fetal 11C-cocaine uptake and kinetics measured in vivo by combined PET and MRI in pregnant nonhuman primates.

Cocaine use during pregnancy has been shown to be deleterious to the infant. This may reflect reduction of flow to placenta or effects on the fetal brain. Methods to assess pharmacokinetics of drugs of abuse in vivo would be useful to investigate the mechanisms underlying the fetal adverse effects. We recently reported that combined MRI and PET technology allows the measurement of radioisotope distribution in maternal and fetal organs in pregnant Macaca radiata. Here, we evaluate the utility of PET to measure the uptake and distribution of (11)C-cocaine in the third-trimester fetus. METHODS: Six pregnant M. radiata weighing 3.8-9.0 kg were anesthetized and MR images were acquired on a 4-T MRI instrument. In all 6 animals, dynamic PET scans were subsequently acquired using 148-259 MBq of (11)C-cocaine. Time-activity curves for both maternal and fetal organs were obtained simultaneously with the pregnant animal positioned transverse in the PET scanner. Distribution volume ratios for maternal and fetal brain for (11)C-cocaine were calculated. RESULTS: Coregistration of PET and MR images allowed identification of fetal organs and brain regions and demonstrated that (11)C-cocaine or its labeled metabolites readily cross the placenta and accumulate mainly in fetal liver and to a lesser extent in the brain. Time to reach peak (11)C uptake in brain was shorter for the mother than for the fetus. The distribution volume ratios of the maternal striatum were higher than those of the fetus. Placenta was clearly visible on the early time frames and showed more rapid uptake and clearance than other fetal tissues. CONCLUSION: The pregnant M. radiata model allows the noninvasive measurement of radioisotope pharmacokinetics in maternal and fetal brain and other organs simultaneously. Although the uptake of radioactivity into the fetal brain after the injection of (11)C-cocaine is lower and slower than in the maternal brain, a measurable quantity of (11)C-cocaine (or its labeled metabolites) accumulates in the fetal brain at early times after injection. The highest accumulation of (11)C occurs in the fetal liver. Rapid radioisotope accumulation and clearance in the placenta offer potential as an input function for kinetic modeling for future studies of binding site availability.     

Characteristics of specific in vivo labeling of neuroleptic binding sites with 3-N-[11C]methylspiperone

In vivo binding of 3-N-[11C]methylspiperone ([11C]NMSP) was saturable in the rat forebrain, but not in the cerebellum. Nonspecific binding was almost equivalent in all brain regions except for the white matter. [11C]NMSP binding was localized to receptor-rich fractions when low doses were administered (less than 20 nmol/kg body weight). The striatum-to-cerebellum ratio was a function of time after injection and administered dose. This ratio remained constant in low doses of under 30 nmol/kg. The radioactivity curve of the cerebellum in a control positron-emission tomographic study almost equaled that of the striatum in the dog pretreated with spiperone (2 mg). This indicates that the amount of binding in the cerebellum might be considered a nonspecific binding and unbound pool. The data obtained by the pretreatment study was different from that of displacement, which suggested that displaceable [11C]NMSP in the specific binding sites of the striatum was not completely cleared from the brain tissue by a large amount of unlabeled spiperone.     

Characteristics of specific in vivo labeling of neuroleptic binding sites with 3-N-[11C]methylspiperone

In vivo binding of 3-N-[¹¹C]methylspiperone ([¹¹C]NMSP) was saturable in the rat forebrain, but not in the cerebellum. Nonspecific binding was almost equivalent in all brain regions except for the white matter. [¹¹C]NMSP binding was localized to receptor-rich fractions when low doses were administered (less than 20 nmol/kg body weight). The striatum-to-cerebellum ratio was a function of time after injection and administered dose. This radio remained constant in low doses of under 30 nmol/kg. The radioactivity curve of the cerebellum in a control positron-emission tomographic study almost equaled that of the striatum in the dog pretreated with spiperone (2 mg). This indicates that the amount of binding in the cerebellum might be considered a nonspecific binding and unbound pool. The data obtained by the pretreatment study was different from that of displacement, which suggested that displaceable [¹¹C]NMSP in the specific binding sites of the striatum was not completely cleared from the brain tissue by a large amount of unlabeled spiperone.     

Ophthalmologic applications of computed tomography in nonhuman primates.

The orbital contents of 28 baboons are defined by computed tomography (CT), which provides a simple, reliable, reproducible, and accurate technique for the experimental investigation of the orbit of the nonhuman primate. This method is applied to the diagnosis of exophthalmos. The suprasellar and other basal subarachnoid cisterns are precisely delineated using intrathecal enhancement prior to CT imaging (metrizamide CT cisternography).     

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of (E)-N-[(11)C]Methyl-4- (3-pyridinyl)-3-butene-1-amine ([(11)C]metanicotine) as a nicotinic receptor radioligand

(E)-N-[(11)C]Methyl-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-butene-1-amine ([(11)C]metanicotine), a high affinity (K(i) = 16 nM) CNS-selective nicotinic agonist, was prepared by the [(11)C]alkylation of the desmethyl precursor with [(11)C]methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. In vivo distribution studies in mice demonstrated good blood brain permeability but essentially uniform regional brain distribution and no evidence of specific binding to nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Identical results were obtained in an imaging study performed in a monkey brain. Therefore, despite literature reports supporting the use of metanicotine as a cognition enhancing nicotinic agonist, (E)-N-[(11)C]methyl-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-butene-1-amine does not appear to be a suitable candidate for in vivo imaging studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the mammalian brain.     

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of a novel 5-HT1A receptor agonist radioligand [O-methyl- 11C]2-(4-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5(2H,4H)dione in nonhuman primates

Purpose Serotonin_1A (5-HT_1A) receptors exist in high- and low-affinity states, and agonist ligands bind preferentially to the high-affinity state of the receptor and provide a measure of functional 5-HT_1A receptors. Although the antagonist tracers are established PET ligands in clinical studies, a successful 5-HT_1A receptor agonist radiotracer in living brain has not been reported. [¹¹C]MPT, our first-generation agonist radiotracer, shows in vivo specificity in baboons; however, its utility is limited owing to slow washout and immeasurable plasma free fraction. Hence we performed structure-activity relationship studies of MPT to optimize a radiotracer that will permit valid quantification of 5-HT_1A receptor binding. We now report the synthesis and evaluation of [¹¹C]MMP as an agonist PET tracer for 5-HT_1A receptors in baboons. Methods In vitro binding assays were performed in bovine hippocampal membranes and membranes of CHO cells expressing 5-HT_1A receptors. [¹¹C] labeling of MMP was performed by reacting desmethyl-MMP with [¹¹C]CH₃OTf. In vivo studies were performed in baboons, and blocking studies were conducted by pretreatment with 5-HT_1A receptor ligands WAY-100635 and (±)-8-OH-DPAT. Results MMP is a selective 5-HT_1A receptor agonist (K _i 0.15 nM). Radiosynthesis of [¹¹C]MMP was achieved in 30 ± 5% (n = 15) yield at EOS with a specific activity of 2,600 ± 500 Ci/mmol (n = 12). PET studies in baboons demonstrated specific binding of [¹¹C]MMP to 5-HT_1A receptor-enriched brain regions, as confirmed by blockade with WAY-100635 and (±)-8-OH-DPAT. Conclusion We identified [¹¹C]MMP as an optimal agonist PET tracer that shows quantifiable, specific binding in vivo to 5-HT_1A receptors in baboons.     

Biodistribution, radiation dose estimates, and in vivo Pgp modulation studies of 18F-paclitaxel in nonhuman primates.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) associated with increased expression and function of the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) efflux pump often causes chemotherapeutic failure in cancer. To provide insight into both the dynamics of the pump and the effects of MDR, we radiolabeled paclitaxel, a substrate for the Pgp pump, with (18)F to study MDR in vivo with PET. We obtained biodistribution and radiation dose estimates for (18)F-paclitaxel (FPAC) in monkeys and studied the effects of a Pgp blocker (XR9576, tariquidar) on FPAC kinetics. METHODS: Paired baseline and Pgp modulation (2 mg/kg XR9576) 4-h whole-body dynamic PET scans were obtained in 3 rhesus monkeys after injection of FPAC. Measured residence times were extrapolated to humans and radiation dose estimates were obtained using MIRDOSE3.1. The postmodulator area under the time-activity curves (AUCs) and Logan plot slopes, a measure of tracer distribution volume (equilibrium tissue-to-plasma ratio) that is inversely proportional to tracer efflux, were compared with baseline values to determine changes in FPAC distribution. RESULTS: Cumulative activities of the organs sampled accounted for 80% of the injected dose. The critical organ is gallbladder wall (0.19 mGy/MBq [0.69 rad/mCi]), followed by liver (0.14 mGy/MBq [0.52 rad/mCi]); the effective dose is 0.022 mSv/MBq (0.083 rem/mCi). XR9576 preinfusion changed the Logan plot slope for liver by +104% (P = 0.02), lung by +87% (P = 0.11), and kidney by -14% (P = 0.08). Changes in the mean AUC (normalized to the plasma AUC) were +54% (P = 0.08), +97% (P = 0.04), and -12% (P = 0.02), respectively, for liver, lung, and kidney. No significant difference was found in the metabolite-corrected plasma AUC (normalized to the injected dose) between the baseline and XR9576 modulator studies (P = 0.69). CONCLUSION: Under Radioactive Drug Research Committee guidelines, 266 MBq (7.2 mCi) FPAC can be administered to humans up to 3 times a year. The increase in FPAC accumulation in liver and lung after XR9576 is consistent with Pgp inhibition and demonstrates the potential of FPAC to evaluate MDR.     

The synthesis of (R)- and (S)-[N-methyl-11C]beta, beta-difluoromethamphetamine for the investigation of the binding mechanism of biogenic amines in vivo.

In an attempt to elucidate the contribution of the extent of nitrogen protonation on the in vivo binding of methamphetamine in the brain, the enantiomers of [N-methyl-11C]beta, beta-difluoroamphetamine (4) were prepared for use in positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Thus, the enantiomers of beta, beta-difluoroamphetamine were prepared from trans-beta-methylstyrene, via bromination, conversion into the azirine, fluorination and resolution as the tartrate salts. (R)- and (S)-beta, beta-difluoroamphetamine (3) were then each labelled with carbon-11 (tt/2 = 20.4 min) by N-methylation of the corresponding homochiral beta, beta-difluoroamphetamine with [11C]methyl iodide. The labelled products were each synthesised, purified and formulated in 35 min, starting from [11C]carbon dioxide in 15-16% decay-corrected radiochemical yield, with a radiochemical purity of > 99% and specific radioactivity of 50-150 GBq mumol-1 at end of synthesis.     

In vivo imaging of serotonin transporters with [99mTc]TRODAT-1 in nonhuman primates

[99mTc]TRODAT-1 was the first 99mTc-labeled imaging agent to show specific binding to dopamine transporters (DAT) in the striatum (STR) of human brain. Additionally, in vitro binding and autoradiographic experiments demonstrated that this tracer also binds to serotonin transporters (SERT) in the midbrain/hypothalamus (MB) area. In this study, [99mTc]TRODAT-1 was investigated as a potentially useful ligand to image SERT in the MB of living brain. A total of eight single-photon emission tomography (SPET) scans were performed in two baboons (Papio anubis) after intravenous (i.v.) injection of 740 MBq (20 mCi) of [99mTc]TRODAT-1 using a triple-head gamma camera equipped with ultra-high-resolution fan-beam collimators (scan time: 0-210 min). In four blocking studies, baboons were pretreated with (+)McN5652 (1 mg/kg, i.v.) or methylphenidate (1 mg/kg, i.v.) to specifically block SERT or DAT, respectively. After co-registration with magnetic resonance images of the same baboon, a region of interest analysis was performed using predefined templates to calculate specific uptake in the midbrain area and the striatum, with the cerebellum as the background region [(MB-CB)/CB, (STR-CB)/CB]. Additionally, two PET scans of the same baboons were performed after i.v. injections of 74-111 MBq (2-3 mCi) of [11C](+)McN5652 to identify the SERT sites. In [99mTc]TRODAT-1/SPET scans, the SERT sites in the MB region were clearly visualized. Semiquantitative analysis revealed a specific uptake in MB ([MB-CB]/CB) of 0.30+/-0.02, which was decreased to 0. 040+/-0.005 after pretreatment with nonradioactive (+)McN5652, a selective SERT ligand. Pretreatment with methylphenidate reduced the specific binding of [99mTc]TRODAT-1 to DAT sites [(STR-CB)/CB] from 2.45+/-0.13 to 0.32+/-0.04 without any effect on its binding to SERT sites [(MB-CB)/CB], which was confirmed by the co-registration of the [11C](+)McN5652/PET scans. This preliminary study suggests that specific binding of [99mTc]TRODAT-1 to SERT sites can be detected by in vivo SPET imaging despite the low target to background ratio. These findings provide impetus for further development of similar compounds with improved binding affinity and selectivity to SERT sites.     

Radiosynthesis of (E)-N-(2-[11C]methoxybenzyl)-3-phenyl-acrylamidine, a novel subnanomolar NR2B subtype-selective NMDA receptor antagonist.

Recently, a novel series of amidines has been described, exhibiting high NR2B-subtype selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist activity with nanomolar or subnanomolar affinity. Within the styrylamidine subclass, (E)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-3-phenyl-acrylamidine (1), displayed the highest affinity (Ki=0.7 nM versus [(3)H]ifenprodil) and was considered an appropriate candidate for isotopic labelling with carbon-11 (T(1/2): 20.38 min) at its methoxy group for imaging of NMDA receptors with PET. Derivative 1 has been labelled from the corresponding nor-analogue using [(11)C]methyl triflate and the following experimental conditions : (1) trapping at -10 degrees C of [(11)C]methyl triflate in 300 microL of acetone containing 0.6-0.8 mg of precursor 5 (2.4-3.2 micromol) and 5 microL of a 3M solution of NaOH in water (about 5 eq.); (2) concentration to dryness of the reaction mixture (at 110 degrees C, using a helium stream for 1-2 min); (3) taking up the residue with 0.5 mL of the HPLC mobile phase and (4) purification using semi-preparative HPLC (SymmetryPrep) C-18, Waters, 300 x 7.8 mm). Typically, starting from a 1.5 Ci (55.5 GBq) [(11)C]CO(2) production batch, 120-240 m Ci (4.44-8.88 GBq) of [(11)C]-1 (20-40% decay-corrected radiochemical yield, n=5) was obtained within a total synthesis time of 25-30 min. Specific radioactivities ranged from 0.8 to 1.2 Ci/micromol (29.6-44.4 GBq/micromol) at the end of radiosynthesis. No attempts were made to further optimise these reactions, as sufficient material was obtained to allow for preliminary pharmacological characterisation.     

(-)-N-[(11)C]propyl-norapomorphine: a positron-labeled dopamine agonist for PET imaging of D(2) receptors

Imaging neuroreceptors with radiolabeled agonists might provide valuable information on the in vivo agonist affinity states of receptors of interest. We report here the radiosynthesis, biodistribution in rodents, and imaging studies in baboons of [(11)C]-labeled (-)-N-propyl-norapomorphine [(-)-NPA]. (-)-[(11)C]NPA was prepared by reacting norapomorphine with [(11)C]propionyl chloride and a lithium aluminum hydride reduction. [(11)C]Propionyl chloride was prepared by reacting [(11)C]CO(2) with ethylmagnesium bromide, followed by reacting with phthaloyl chloride. The radiochemical yield of (-)-[(11)C]NPA was 2.5% at end of synthesis (EOS), and the synthesis time was 60 min. The specific activity was 1700+/-1900 mCi/micromol ( N=7; ranged 110-5200 mCi/micromol at EOS). Rodent biodistribution studies showed high uptake of [(11)C](-)-NPA in D(2) receptor-rich areas, and the striatum/cerebellum ratios were 1.7, 3.4, and 4.4 at 5 min, 30 min, and 60 min postinjection, respectively. Pretreating the animals with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) decreased the striatum/cerebellum ratio at 30 min postinjection to 1.3. (-)-[(11)C]NPA was also evaluated via baboon positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Under control conditions ( N=4), rapid uptake of the tracer was observed and the striatum/cerebellum ratio reached 2.86+/-0.15 at 45 min postinjection. Following haloperidol pretreatment (0.2 mg/kg IV), the striatum/cerebellum ratio was 1.29 at 45 min postinjection. The result demonstrated the existence of specific binding of this new tracer to the D(2) receptor. To our knowledge, the current finding of a striatum/cerebellum ratio of 2.8 in baboon was the highest reported with a radiolabeled D(2) agonist. (-)-[(11)C]NPA is a promising new D(2) agonist PET tracer for probing D(2) receptors in vivo using PET.     

In vivo imaging of serotonin transporters with [99mTc]TRODAT-1 in nonhuman primates

[^99mTc]TRODAT-1 was the first ^99mTc-labeled imaging agent to show specific binding to dopamine transporters (DAT) in the striatum (STR) of human brain. Additionally, in vitro binding and autoradiographic experiments demonstrated that this tracer also binds to serotonin transporters (SERT) in the midbrain/hypothalamus (MB) area. In this study, [^99mTc]TRODAT-1 was investigated as a potentially useful ligand to image SERT in the MB of living brain. A total of eight single-photon emission tomography (SPET) scans were performed in two baboons (Papio anubis) after intravenous (i.v.) injection of 740 MBq (20 mCi) of [^99mTc]TRODAT-1 using a triple-head gamma camera equipped with ultra-high-resolution fan-beam collimators (scan time: 0–210 min). In four blocking studies, baboons were pretreated with (+)McN5652 (1 mg/kg, i.v.) or methylphenidate (1 mg/kg, i.v.) to specifically block SERT or DAT, respectively. After co-registration with magnetic resonance images of the same baboon, a region of interest analysis was performed using predefined templates to calculate specific uptake in the midbrain area and the striatum, with the cerebellum as the background region [(MB–CB)/CB, (STR–CB)/CB]. Additionally, two PET scans of the same baboons were performed after i.v. injections of 74–111 MBq (2–3 mCi) of [¹¹C](+)McN5652 to identify the SERT sites. In [^99mTc]TRODAT-1/SPET scans, the SERT sites in the MB region were clearly visualized. Semiquantitative analysis revealed a specific uptake in MB ([MB–CB]/CB) of 0.30±0.02, which was decreased to 0.040±0.005 after pretreatment with nonradioactive (+)McN5652, a selective SERT ligand. Pretreatment with methylphenidate reduced the specific binding of [^99mTc]TRODAT-1 to DAT sites [(STR-CB)/CB] from 2.45±0.13 to 0.32±0.04 without any effect on its binding to SERT sites [(MB–CB)/CB], which was confirmed by the co-registration of the [¹¹C](+)McN5652/PET scans. This preliminary study suggests that specific binding of [^99mTc]TRODAT-1 to SERT sites can be detected by in vivo SPET imaging despite the low target to background ratio. These findings provide impetus for further development of similar compounds with improved binding affinity and selectivity to SERT sites. Received 15 September and in revised form 15 November 1998     

Quantification of serotonin transporters in nonhuman primates using [(123)I]ADAM and SPECT.

We reported recently a highly selective radioligand, 2-([2-([dimethylamino]methyl)phenyl]thio)-5-[(123)I]iodophenylamine (ADAM), for SPECT imaging of serotonin transporters (SERT). In this article we describe the kinetic modeling of [(123)I]ADAM and its ability to quantitatively and reproducibly measure the concentrations of SERT in the nonhuman primate brain. We also investigate simplified models of tracer behavior that do not require invasive arterial blood sampling. METHODS: Three female baboons each underwent 3 [(123)I]ADAM SPECT studies. The studies consisted of a dynamic sequence of seventy-two 5-min scans after injection of 330 +/- 50 MBq (mean +/- SD) [(123)I]ADAM. Rapid arterial blood samples were obtained and corrected for the presence of labeled metabolites. Dynamic imaging and metabolite-corrected plasma data were analyzed using graphic analysis to give the distribution volumes (DVs) of different brain regions. DV ratios (DVRs) of target to cerebellum were derived and compared against a kinetic reference tissue model and simple target-to-background ratio. RESULTS: Averaged over all 9 scans, the mean DV in the midbrain was 4.86 +/- 1.06 mL/mL and the mean DV in the cerebellum was 2.25 +/- 0.48 mL/mL. The mean test-retest repeatability of the midbrain DV was 14.5%. The reference tissue model gave a mean midbrain DVR of 2.01 +/- 0.17 and correlated strongly with the DVR calculated from the full kinetic model (correlation coefficient [R(2)] = 0.94; P < 0.001), but with much improved repeatability (test-retest, 5.4%; intersubject variability, 5.2%). Similarly, the simple ratio method gave strong correlations with the full kinetic model (R(2) = 0.89; P < 0.001) and a test-retest of 7.6%. CONCLUSION: Accurate, repeatable quantification of SERT in the nonhuman primate brain is possible using kinetic modeling of dynamic [(123)I]ADAM SPECT scans. Simplified models, which do not require arterial blood sampling, gave accurate results that correlated strongly with the full kinetic model. The test-retest reliability of the simplified reference region models was excellent. Quantification of SERT is possible using full kinetic modeling and also with simpler reference region methods.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of the binding of dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist, (R,S)-5-hydroxy-2-(N-propyl-N-(5'-(18)F-fluoropentyl)aminotetralin ((18)F-5-OH-FPPAT) in rodents and nonhuman primates

We have synthesized a new fluorinated dopamine D2 receptor agonist, (R,S)-2-(N-propyl-N-5'-fluoropentyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (5-OH-FPPAT). The radiosynthesis of the fluorine-18 analog, (18)F-5-OH-FPPAT was achieved in decay corrected yields of 10 to 15% in specific activities of approx. 1.5 to 2 Ci/micromol. In vitro binding and autoradiographic studies of this new radiotracer have been investigated. Using rat striatal homogenate binding assay, 5-OH-FPPAT exhibited an affinity of IC(50) = 6.95 nM. The octanol-buffer partition coefficient, Log P was found to be 1.60. In vitro autoradiographs in rat brain slices with (18)F-5-OH-FPPAT revealed selective binding to the dopaminergic regions in the striata that was displaceable by sulpiride. This selective binding to the striata was also removed in the presence of the GTP analog, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, indicative of predominant binding of (18)F-5-OH-FPPAT to the high-affinity state of the D2 receptor. In vivo regional distribution of (18)F-5-OH-FPPAT in rat brains revealed selective localization in the striata with striata/cortex ratio of 1.5 and striata/cerebellum ratio of 1.8 to 2.0. The binding of (18)F-5-OH-FPPAT in the striata was reduced upon pretreatment with the antagonist, risperidone and the agonist, PPHT. A PET study in rhesus monkeys showed selective localization of (18)F-5-OH-FPPAT in the striata and the ratio between striata and cerebellum approached approximately 2 at 40 min post-injection.     

Simplified reference region model for the kinetic analysis of [99mTc]TRODAT-1 binding to dopamine transporters in nonhuman primates using single-photon emission tomography.

Accurate quantification of neuroreceptors requires full kinetic modeling of the dynamic single-photon emission tomography (SPET) or positron emission tomography (PET) images, with highly invasive arterial blood sampling. This study investigated the application of a reference region kinetic model to the dynamics of [99mTc]TRODAT-1 in nonhuman primates, obviating the need for blood sampling. A series of dynamic SPET scans were performed on two baboons following the injection of approximately 700 MBq of [99mTc]TRODAT-1. Rapid arterial blood samples were taken automatically during scanning. Reconstructed SPET images were coregistered with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the baboons, and regions of interest (ROIs) placed on the striatum, cerebellum and cerebral hemispheres. The ROI data were combined with metabolite-corrected blood data, and fitted to a three-compartment kinetic model using nonlinear least squares techniques. The same data were also used in a simplified reference region model, in which the input function was derived from the nondisplaceable tissue compartment. In addition, semiquantitative blinded analysis was performed by three raters to determine the point of transient equilibrium in the specific binding curves. All methods generated values for the ratio of the kinetic rate constants k3/k4, which gives an estimate of the binding potential, BP. These were compared with the full kinetic model. The mean values of k3/k4 for the three different analysis techniques for each baboon were: 1.17 +/- 0.21 and 1.12 +/- 0.13 (full kinetic model), 0.93 +/- 0.13 and 0.90 +/- 0.07 (reference region model), and 0.97 +/- 0.18 and 0.92 +/- 0.08 (equilibrium method). The reference region method gave significantly lower results than the full kinetic model (P = 0.01), but it also produced a much smaller spread and better quality fits to the kinetic data. The reference region model results for k3/k4 correlated very strongly with the full kinetic analysis (r2 = 0.992, P < 0.001), and with the equilibrium model (r2 = 0.88, P = 0.002). The subjectivity inherent in the equilibrium method produces inferior results compared with both kinetic analyses. It is suggested that the self-consistency of the reference region model, which requires no arterial blood sampling, provides a more precise and reliable estimate of the binding of [99mTc]TRODAT-1 to dopamine transporters than full kinetic modeling. The reference region method is also better suited to a routine clinical environment, and would be able to distinguish smaller differences in dopaminergic function between patient groups.     

Measurement of plasma metabolites of (S)-5-[123I]iodo-3-(2-azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (5-IA-85380), a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor imaging agent, in nonhuman primates

The iodinated analog (S)-5-[123I]iodo-3-(2-azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine of A-85380 is a new potential SPECT tracer specific for the alpha4beta2 subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases and in tobacco dependence. To evaluate the possibility of using this tracer for the in vivo quantification of these receptors, an accurate measurement of the plasma concentration of the parent compound is necessary. In human or nonhuman primate whole blood as well as in plasma, the parent compound is only stable for approximately 5 min, after which it decomposes. The radioligand is stable in the injection solution and in protein-free ( >30 K M.W.) plasma ultrafiltrate for at least 18 h. To preserve the parent compound in plasma the radioactive plasma must be mixed with equal volumes of acetonitrile within 5 min after its collection or, alternatively, radioactive blood should be collected and mixed with sodium azide (3 mg/ml blood). The in vivo metabolism of [123I]5-IA resulted in two components: a radiometabolite that is less lipophilic than the parent compound and a polar radiometabolite that is not free radioiodide because of the absence of radioactivity accumulation in the thyroid.     

Noninvasive molecular imaging to detect transgene expression of lentiviral vector in nonhuman primates.

Noninvasive imaging of a reporter gene is a new and promising technique to quantify transgene expression after gene therapy. This study was performed to demonstrate visualization of lentiviral-marked cells by PET. METHODS: We transduced nonhuman primate CD34+ hematopoietic cells with a lentiviral vector expressing a PET reporter gene, the mutant viral herpes simplex virus type 1-thymidine kinase (HSV1-sr39tk) gene. 1-(2-Fluoro-2-deoxy-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-76Br-5-bromouracil (76Br-FBAU) was used as the substrate for the viral tk enzyme. Upon phosphorylation, 76Br-FBAU was retained by cells and imaged by PET. The long half-life of 76Br, 16.2 h, permitted us to perform extended pharmacokinetic and imaging studies. RESULTS: 76Br-FBAU was retained in vascular tissues of the animals with transplanted tk lentiviral vector-transduced CD34+ cells. Elimination of 76Br-FBAU was through renal and hepatic excretion. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive molecular imaging using PET will help us, in the future, to define the contribution and distribution of cells and their progeny to tissue repair and development.     

(3-N-[11C]methyl)spiperone, a ligand binding to dopamine receptors: radiochemical synthesis and biodistribution studies in mice

Carbon-11-labeled 3-N-methylspiperone, a positron-emitting dopamine-receptor antagonist with potential for use in positron emission tomography studies of human neurotransmitter receptors, was synthesized from 11CO2 in 40 min, with a radiochemical yield of approximately 20-40%. The specific activity of the (3-N-[11C]methyl)-spiperone was determined by ultraviolet spectroscopy to be approximately 270 mCi/mumol at the end of synthesis. In in vitro binding experiments, the Ki for 3-N-methylspiperone was found to be approximately 250 pM (against H-3 spiperone). The brain-to-blood ratios in normal ICR mice were 2.8 or greater at the times studied, and the striatum-to-cerebellum ratio at 60 min after injection was 20:1.     

MRI of spontaneous fluctuations after acute cerebral ischemia in nonhuman primates

PURPOSE: To study the spontaneous low-frequency blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) signal fluctuations during hyperacute focal cerebral ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stroke model in nonhuman primates (macaques) was used in this study. Spontaneous fluctuations were recorded using a series of gradient-recalled echo (GRE) echo-planar imaging (EPI) images. Fast Fourier transformation (FFT) was performed on the serial EPI data to calculate the frequency and magnitude of the spontaneous fluctuations. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) were preformed to detect the ischemic lesion. RESULTS: The frequency of these fluctuations decreased in the periinfarct tissue in the ipsilateral hemisphere, while their magnitude increased. This area of abnormal signal fluctuations often extended beyond the hyperacute diffusion/perfusion abnormality. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that measurement of the spontaneous fMRI signal fluctuations provides different information than is available from diffusion/perfusion or T2-weighted MRI.