Preparation and biological evaluation of 99mTcN‐4‐(cyclohexylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐dithioformate as a potential sigma receptor imaging agent

The goal of this study is to develop a novel ^99mTc‐labeled σ receptor imaging agent. Potassium 4‐(cyclohexylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐dithioformate, 2 , and the corresponding rhenium complex, ReN‐2 , were synthesized and characterized. ReN‐2 possessed moderate affinity toward σ₁ (K_i = 1.94 ± 0.60 µmol/L) and σ₂ (K_i = 2.83 ± 1.39 µmol/L) receptors. The radiolabeled complex ^99m TcN‐2 was prepared in high yield (> 95%) through the [^99mTcN] precursor and characterized by HPLC. ^99m TcN‐2 was found to be a lipophilic and neutral complex with good stability. The biodistribution in tumor‐bearing mice showed that ^99m TcN‐2 had good tumor uptake (2.12 ± 0.01 %ID/g at 2 h p.i.) and moderate brain uptake (0.27 ± 0.05 %ID/g at 2 h p.i.). After blocking with haloperidol, the uptakes by tumor and brain were lower than control. The results indicated that the complex has specific binding to the σ receptors in vivo. Further structural modifications of this complex are needed to obtain ^99mTc‐based σ receptor imaging agents with high affinity and subtype selectivity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

N‐[3‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl) piperaziny‐1‐yl]propyl]cyclam: synthesized as a potential 5‐HT1A receptor ligand and labelled with 99mTc‐nitrido core

This paper reports the synthesis of new potential 5‐HT_1A receptor ligand N‐[3‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperaziny‐1‐yl]propyl]cyclam (MPPC) and radiolabelling of it with ^99mTc‐nitrido core. The novel neutral complex ^99mTcN‐MPPC combines 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) ligand as chelate moiety for ^99mTc‐nitrido with a 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine moiety derived from WAY 100635 via a 3‐carbon alkyl chain. This provided a reliable and reproducible method for attaching the technetium to the pharmacophore moiety of WAY 100635. ^99mTcN‐MPPC was prepared by a two‐step procedure and the radiochemical purity was found to be greater than 95%. It was hydrophilic and stable for at least 4 h at room temperature. In vivo stability study in normal rats showed that no degradation of ^99mTcN‐MPPC was found in deproteinated blood samples at 2 h post‐injection. This effective ^99mTc‐labelling strategy for obtaining neutral ^99mTc nitrido complexes would be a useful tool to prepare new SPECT agents to image 5‐HT_1A receptor with cyclam conjugated ligands. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and biological evaluation of 99mTcN‐labeled pteroyl‐lys derivative as a potential folate receptor imaging agent

In order to develop a novel ^99mTc‐labeled folate receptor (FR) imaging agent, a dithiocarbamate derivative, pteroyl‐lys‐DTC, was synthesized and radiolabeled with ^99mTc through the [^99mTcN]²⁺ intermediate. The radiochemical purity of the corresponding ^99mTc‐complex, ^99mTcN‐pteroyl‐lys‐DTC, was over 95% as measured by reversed‐phase HPLC. The ^99mTcN complex was stable under physiological conditions. ^99mTcN‐pteroyl‐lys‐DTC exhibited specific FR binding in FR‐positive KB cells in vitro. The biodistribution in tumor‐bearing mice showed that the ^99mTcN‐labeled radiotracer had good uptake (3.56 ± 0.09%ID/g at 2 h postinjection) in FR‐positive KB tumors, as well as in the kidneys (30.34 ± 3.53%ID/g at 2 h postinjection). After coinjection with excess folic acid, the uptake in tumor and kidneys was significantly blocked. The results indicated that ^99mTcN‐pteroyl‐lys‐DTC was able to target the FR‐positive tumor cells and tissues specifically both in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and biodistribution in mice of a new 99mTc nitrido complex for brain imaging

The bis(N‐cyclopentyl dithiocarbamato) nitrido technetium‐99m complex ^99mTcN(CPEDTC)₂ was synthesized by the reduction of ^99mTcO into [^99mTc≡N]²⁺ with stannous chloride in the presence of succinic dihydrazide and propylenediamine tetraacetic acid, followed by the addition of sodium N‐cyclopentyl dithiocarbamate monohydrate. The radiochemical purity (RCP) of the product was over 90% as measured by thin layer chromatography(TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). In vitro studies showed that the complex possessed good stability under physiological conditions. Its partition coefficient studies indicated it was a good lipophilic complex. The electrophoresis results showed the complex was neutral. The biodistribution results in mice indicated that ^99mTcN(CPEDTC)₂ was significantly retained into the brain. The brain uptake(ID%/g) was 3.58, 5.26, 3.73 and 2.72 and the brain/blood ratios were 0.79, 1.69, 1.59 and 1.58 at 5, 30, 60 and 90 min post‐injection, respectively. These results suggested potential usefulness of the complex as a new brain perfusion imaging agent. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel asymmetrical 99mTc‐nitrido complex of metronidazole derivative

The novel dithiocarbamate derivative of metronidazole, potassium 2‐(2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazolyl)‐ethyl‐dithiocarbamate (MNIE‐DTC), was synthesized as the pharmacophore‐containing bifunctional ligand. The corresponding asymmetrical ^99mTc‐nitrido complex, expected as a tumor hypoxia marker, had been successfully obtained by the addition of the biphosphine ligand PNP5 (PNP5 = N‐ethoxethyl‐N,N‐bis[2‐(bis(3‐methoxypropyl)phosphino)ethyl]‐amine) and the dithiocarbamate ligand (MNIE‐DTC) to the ^99mTc‐nitrido precursor solution at 100°C for 15 min. The radiochemical purity of the product was above 95% as measured by thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography. In vitro studies showed that the complex possessed good stability under physiological conditions. Its partition coefficient studies indicated that it was a lipophilic complex. The electrophoresis results showed that the complex was cationic. Biological evaluation of the complex [^99mTcN(PNP5)(MNIE‐DTC)]⁺ performed in Kunming mice bearing H22 tumor showed that the complex had a moderate tumor uptake (0.57±0.06%ID/g at 1h), and the ratios of tumor/blood and tumor/muscle were 2.46 and 1.31 at 1h p.i., and reached 4.52 and 2.86 at 4h p.i., respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 99mTc‐labeled imidazolyl‐containing diphosphonic acid as a novel bone imaging agent

In order to develop a superior bone imaging agent, a new radiotracer ^99mTc‐1‐hydroxy‐5‐(2‐butyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid (BIPeDP) was designed and prepared with good radiochemical yield and stability. The biodistribution in mice shows that ^99mTc‐BIPeDP has high specificity in the skeleton with the maximum uptake of 17.30 ± 0.14 injected dose per gram at 60 min. Kinetics of blood clearance shows that the distribution half‐life (T_1/2α) and elimination half‐life (T_1/2β) of ^99mTc‐BIPeDP are 3.7 and 49.7 min, respectively. An excellent image can be obtained at 1‐h post‐injection with the single photon emission computed tomography bone scanning, which is clearer and quicker than ^99mTc‐zoledronic acid, ^99mTc‐1‐hydroxy‐5‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid, and ^99mTc‐methylenediphosphonic acid All results indicate that ^99mTc‐BIPeDP holds great potential as a novel promising bone imaging agent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 99mTc‐labeled diphosphonates as novel radiotracers with improved bone imaging

Three radiolabeled diphosphonates, ^99mTc‐labeled 1‐hydroxy‐3‐(2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)propane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid (PIPrDP), 1‐hydroxy‐4‐(2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid (PIBDP), and 1‐hydroxy‐5‐(2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonic acid (PIPeDP), have been designed and synthesized with good chemical yields and high radiochemical purity. Their in vitro and in vivo biological properties were investigated and compared. All radiotracers evaluated in mice showed substantial retention in bone (8.42 ± 0.53, 9.08 ± 0.65, and 10.3 ± 0.61 ID%/g, respectively) at 1 h post‐injection and had rapid clearance in blood (1.9484, 1.3666, and 0.7704 ID%/g/min, respectively). ^99mTc‐PIBDP has the highest uptake ratio of bone‐to‐soft tissue at 1 h post‐injection among the three radiotracers. The results indicate that ^99mTc‐PIBDP is the most promising bone imaging agent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of 99Mo/99mTc alumina generator in the labeling of metoprolol for diagnostic purposes

Labeling of metoprolol by technetium‐99m in pertechnetate form (^99mTcO) eluted from a ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc alumina generator in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate was carried out via chelation reaction. The reaction parameters that affect the labeling yield such as metoprolol concentration, stannous chloride dihydrate concentration, reaction temperature, and pH of the reaction mixture were studied to optimize the labeling conditions. Using 1 GBq ^99mTcO, 500 µg metoprolol as substrate dissolved in 500 µL phosphate buffer at pH 9 and 50 µL of stannous chloride as reducing agent (1 mg/mL) at 25°C for 30 min reaction time, a maximum radiochemical yield of ^99mTc‐metoprolol (92%) was obtained. ^99mTc‐metoprolol was characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The specific activity of ^99mTc‐metoprolol obtained was 888 MBq/1.88 mmol. The biological distribution in normal mice showed that ^99mTc‐metoprolol is rapidly concentrated after injection in the heart, which indicates its suitability for heart imaging. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Preclinical Evaluation of 99mTc‐Labeled Macrobicyclic and Tricyclic Chelators as Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Tracer

The novel tetraaza macrobicyclic chelator 3,6,9,15‐tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca‐1(15),11,13‐triene‐2,10‐dione (TBPD) and pentaaza macrotricyclic chelator 9‐oxa‐3,6,12,15,21‐pentaazatricyclo[15,3,2,1]trieicos‐1(21),17,19‐triene‐2,7,11,16‐tetradione (OPTT) were synthesized, characterized, and radiolabeled with ^99mTc to produce ^99mTc‐TBPD and ^99mTc‐OPTT. These radiolabeled complexes were prepared with high radiolabeling yield, radiochemical purity, and good in vitro stability up to 24 h. The labeling efficiency of ^99mTc‐TBPD and ^99mTc‐OPTT was found 98% and 97%. In vitro serum stability of ^99mTc‐TBPD was found to be 95.2%, while that of ^99mTc‐OPTT 94.2% up to 24 h. Blood kinetics experiments of ^99mTc‐labeled complexes showed biphasic pattern of blood clearance. About 99.57 ± 0.89% activity of ^99mTc‐TBPD and 99.42 ± 0.88% activity of ^9mTc‐OPTT were cleared off blood stream at 24 h postadministration. The biological half‐life of ^99mTc‐TBPD was observed: t_1/2(F) 1 h 5 min and t_1/2(S) 12 h and biological half‐life of ^99mTc‐OPTT was observed: t_1/2(F) 1 h 10 min and t_1/2(S) 9 h 50 min, respectively. The biodistribution studies revealed that maximum uptake of ^99mTc‐TBPD was found in liver, concluded that excretory pathway is hepatobiliary, while that of ^99mTc‐OPTT was renal as well as hepatobiliary. The negligible activity observed in stomach confirming the stability of radiolabeled complex in biological milieu. In vitro cytotoxicity study of TBPD and OPTT did not show any considerable antiproliferative activity against cancer cells of human cervical SW756, HeLa, and glioblastoma U‐87, U373 cell lines.     

Evaluation of 99mTc‐immunoglobulins for imaging infection in the rat

Three immunoglobulin molecules were evaluated as infection imaging agents in a rat model of S. aureas infection: ^99mTc‐infliximab, ^99mTc‐human immunoglobulin (HIG) and ^99mTc‐rat immunoglobulin (RIG). Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody specific for human tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). ^99mTc‐HIG was chosen as an exogenous protein and ^99mTc‐RIG as an endogenous marker. Each immunoglobulin was treated with 2‐mercaptoethanol and the reduced antibody was isolated by size exclusion chromatography. In combination with Sn^II‐methylenediphosphonic acid, cold kit formulations were prepared. Native and reduced infliximab were tested for rat TNFα binding ability in vitro. A focal intramuscular infection of S. aureus (1 × 10⁸ colony forming units) was induced in the left thigh muscle of rats, that developed for 24 h. In separate experiments each tracer was administered by intravenous injection, then whole body scintigraphic imaging and biodistribution studies were performed at 1 and 4 h later. ^99mTc‐infliximab, ^99mTc‐HIG and ^99mTc‐RIG were prepared with ?95% radiochemical purity from stable cold kits. Results from the organ assay gave infected (target) to non‐infected (control) muscle ratios for ^99mTc‐infliximab as 5.7±0.8, 7.1±1.2, ^99mTc‐HIG gave 3.1±1.1, 7.8±1.2, and ^99mTc‐RIG 7.9±0.3, 12.5±1.5 at 1 and 4 h, respectively. Infliximab and Sn^II‐infliximab did not bind to rat TNFα by the in vitro assay. Although lacking specific affinity for TNFα, ^99mTc‐infliximab accumulated at infectious sites in vivo. ^99mTc‐infliximab gave similar infection uptake ratios to ^99mTc‐HIG at 1 and 4 h, but these proteins were inferior in comparison to ^99mTc‐RIG, and is likely to be due to increased clearance associated with the foreign protein structure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radiolabeling and in vitro evaluation of a new 5‐fluorouracil derivative with cell culture studies

The clinical impact and accessibility of ^99mTc tracers for cancer diagnosis would be greatly enhanced by the availability of a new, simple, and easy labeling process and radiopharmaceuticals. 5‐Fluorouracil is an antitumor drug, which has played an important role for the treatment of breast carcinoma. In the present study, a new derivative of 5‐Fluorouracil was synthesized as (1‐[{1′‐(1′′‐deoxy‐2′′,3′′:4′′,5′′‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐β‐D‐fructopyranose‐1′′‐yl)‐1′H‐1′,2′, 3′‐triazol‐4′‐yl}methyl]‐5‐fluorouracil) ( E ) and radiolabeled with ^99mTc. It was analyzed by radio thin layer chromatography for quality control and stability. The radiolabeled complex was subjected to in vitro cell‐binding studies to determine healthy and cancer cell affinity using HaCaT and MCF‐7 cells, respectively. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity studies of compound E were performed with HaCaT and MCF‐5 cells. The radiochemical purity of the [^99mTc]Tc E was found to be higher than 90% at room temperature up to 6 hours. The radiolabeled complex showed higher specific binding to MCF‐7 cells than HaCaT cells. IC₅₀ values of E were found 31.5 ± 3.4 μM and 20.7 ± 2.77 μM for MCF‐7 and HaCaT cells, respectively. The results demonstrated the potential of a new radiolabeled E with ^99mTc has selective for breast cancer cells.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a novel 99mTc nitrido radiopharmaceutical with alendronate dithiocarbamate as a potential bone‐imaging agent

Currently, a popular strategy for designing novel radioprobes as bone‐imaging agents is based on the concept of bifunctional radiopharmaceuticals. Considering the dithiocarbamate ligand can act as a suitable bifunctional linking agent to attach technetium‐99m (^99mTc) to corresponding target molecules, in this study, alendronate dithiocarbamate (ALNDTC) was synthesized and radiolabeled with [^99mTc≡N]²⁺ core by ligand exchange reaction to produce ^99mTcN‐ALNDTC complex, for the potential use as a novel probe for bone imaging. The radiochemical purity of the complex was over 90%. The complex was stable in vitro and could bind to hydroxyapatite. The partition coefficient result indicated it was hydrophilic, and an evaluation of biodistribution in mice indicated that the complex exhibited a higher bone uptake than did ^99mTc‐labeled methylenediphosphonate (^99mTc‐MDP). Further, single photon emission computed tomography imaging study indicated clear accumulation in bone, suggesting that ^99mTcN‐ALNDTC would be a promising candidate for bone imaging.     

Synthesis,preclinical, and pharmacokinetic evaluation of a new zoledronate derivative as a promising antiosteoporotic candidate using radiolabeling technique

A novel zoledronic acid (ZL) derivative, 3‐(2‐ethyl‐4‐methyi‐1H‐imidazole‐1‐yl)‐1‐hydroxy‐1‐phosphonopropyl phosphonic acid (EMIHPBP), was synthesized, characterized, and successfully radiolabeled with ^99mTc. The in vivo biodistribution of ^99mTc‐EMIHPBP was investigated and compared with the previously reported zoledronate derivatives aiming to formulate a novel zoledronate derivative with a high‐potential uptake to bone as a promising antiosteoporotic candidate. To further evaluate the bone uptake efficiency, the pharmacokinetics of ^99mTc‐EMIHPBP was investigated and showed that maximum concentration in bone (C_max) was 31.60 ± 0.15%ID/gram after 60 minutes (t_max). Cumulative residence of ^99mTc‐EMIHPBP in the bone [AUC _(0−∞) (%ID∙min/gram bone)] was 3685.23, mean residence time was 384.354 minutes, and the calculated bone bioavailability was 15.831%. Finally, the time needed for half of the ^99mTc‐EMIHPBP formulation to be eliminated from bone (t_1/2) was 263.914 minutes. Excellent bone uptake can be obtained 1‐hour postinjection with high bone/blood ratio of 23.76 detected with gamma counter. The biodistribution and kinetic studies could recommend EMIHPBP as a promising antiosteoporotic candidate with high selectivity to the skeletal system and rapid clearance from soft tissues.     

Synthesis,radiolabeling and evaluation of a new positively charged 99mTc‐labeled fatty acid derivative for myocardial imaging

¹²³I‐labeled fatty acids and ¹⁸F‐FDG are used as metabolic markers for detecting myocardial abnormalities. However, a ^99mTc‐based molecule may find wider application. In the present work, a new ^99mTc‐labeled, uni‐positively charged, 16‐carbon fatty acid has been prepared and evaluated in normal Swiss mice. The results are then compared with the neutral analogue reported earlier. A 16‐cysteinyl hexadecanoic acid conjugate was synthesized in a six‐step synthetic procedure starting with 16‐bromohexadecanoic acid. The ligand upon incubation with [^99mTcN(PNP6)]²⁺ core formed the required positively charged complex in ～85% yield. The complex, which was obtained as a mixture of syn‐anti isomers, was purified by HPLC and the major fraction was used for in vivo studies in Swiss mice. The biodistribution studies in Swiss mice showed initial uptake similar to ¹²⁵I‐IPPA followed by rapid clearance from the myocardium till 10 min p.i. Thereafter, the rate of clearance was significantly decreased, an observation reported earlier for positively charged fatty acid complexes. In terms of absolute uptake, the positively charged complex performed better than the neutral analogue reported earlier. The positively charged fatty acid complexes, prepared using [^99mTcN(PNP)]²⁺ core, seems to be better candidates for the development of myocardial metabolic tracers than their neutral counterparts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of technetium‐99 m human albumin nanospheres for use in the measurement of reticuloendothelial clearance capacity

Background: The rate at which radioactive albumin particles clear from the bloodstream is used to measure reticuloendothelial capacity. Traditionally, iodine radioisotopes have been used. Non‐active albumin particles mixed with the technetium‐99 m labelled particles of the readily available radiopharmaceutical ^{99 m}Tc Albumin Nanocolloid (ANC) would be more convenient. Aim: To prepare human albumin nanospheres (HAN) with a diameter similar to ^{99 m}Tc‐ANC and to investigate their stability. Experimental: HAN were prepared by heating 30 g/l albumin solution pH 10 at 70°C for 20 min then 75°C for 17.5 min, adjusting to pH 7.5 and sterilizing by filtration. Seven batches were prepared. The HAN diameter was measured by photon correlation spectroscopy at 0–3 months. Various measures of stability were performed. Results: The mean diameter of the HAN was 3.9 ± 1.9, 4.0 ± 1.5, 4.4 ± 1.6 and 4.2 ± 2.0 nm at 0, 1, 2 and 3 months. After mixing HAN and ^{99 m}Tc‐ANC, no changes in particle size or radiolabelling of ANC were detected. Conclusions: HAN with a diameter comparable to the particles in ^{99 m}Tc‐ANC were prepared successfully. The diameter of HAN does not change over 3 months or after mixing with ^{99 m}Tc‐ANC. The particle size and labelling efficiency of ^{99 m}Tc‐ANC are not affected by the addition of HAN. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radiochemical and biological characteristics of 99mTc‐difloxacin and 99mTc‐pefloxacin for detecting sites of infection

The optimization of the radiolabeling yield of ciprofloxacin analogous, difloxacin and pefloxacin, with ^99mTc was described. At pH 4, difloxacin was labeled with ^99mTc with a labeling yield of 95.6% by adding ^99mTc to 5 mg difloxacin in the presence of 100 µg SnCl₂·2H₂O whereas ^99mTc‐pefloxacin was labeled (98.1%) by adding ^99mTc to 4 mg pefloxacin in the presence of 50 µg SnCl₂·2H₂O. The radiochemical purity for both labeled compounds was evaluated with ITLC and HPLC system. Biological distribution of ^99mTc‐difloxacin and ^99mTc‐pefloxacin was carried out in experimentally induced infection rats, in the left thigh, using Staphylococcus aureus. Both thighs of the rats were dissected and counted and the ratio of bacterial infected thigh/contralateral thigh was then evaluated. T/NT for both ^99mTc‐difloxacin and ^99mTc‐pefloxacin was found to be 5.5±0.5 and 4.9±0.3, respectively, which was higher than that of the commercially available ^99mTc‐ciprofloxacin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of kit formulations for 99mTcN‐MPO: a cationic radiotracer for myocardial perfusion imaging

The objective of this study was to develop a kit formulation for [^99mTcN(mpo)(PNP5)]⁺ (MPO = 2‐mercaptopyridine oxide), (^99mTcN‐MPO) to support its clinical evaluations as a SPECT radiotracer. Radiolabeling studies were performed using three different formulations (two‐vial formulation and single‐vial formulations with/without SnCl₂) to explore the factors influencing radiochemical purity (RCP) of ^99mTcN‐MPO. We found that the most important factor affecting the RCP of ^99mTcN‐MPO was the purity of PNP5. ^99mTcN‐MPO was prepared >98% RCP (n = 20) using the two‐vial formulation. For single‐vial formulations with/without SnCl₂, β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) is particularly useful as a stabilizer for PNP5. The RCP of ^99mTcN‐MPO was 95–98% using β‐CD, but its RCP was only 90–93% with γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD). It seems that PNP5 fits better into the inner cavity of β‐CD, which forms more stable inclusion complex than γ‐CD in the single‐vial formulations. The results from biodistribution and imaging studies in Sprague–Dawley rats clearly demonstrated biological equivalence of three different formulations. Single photon‐emission computed tomography data suggested that high quality images could be obtained at 0–30‐min post‐injection without significant interference from the liver radioactivity. Considering the ease for ^99mTc‐labeling and high RCP of ^99mTcN‐MPO, the non‐SnCl₂ single‐vial formulation is an attractive choice for future clinical studies.     

Synthesis and biodistribution in mice of 99mTcN–DBODC–DMSEt

Nitrido technetium(V)‐mixed ligand complex of ^99mTcN–DBODC – DMSEt [DMSEt: Monoethyl ester of (meso) 2,3‐dimercaptosuccinic acid, DBODC: bis(2‐ethoxyethyl)carbamodithioate] has been prepared in a two‐step procedure by first reaction of ^99mTcO with succinic dihydrazede in the presence of stannous chloride as a reducing agent and propylenediamine tetraacetic acid as a complexant, followed by the addition of DMSEt and DBODC. The complex was stable over 6 h at room temperature. The partition coefficient indicated that it was a hydrophilic complex. Biodistribution in mice demonstrated that the complex accumulated mainly in liver, lungs and kidneys. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

99mTc‐DTPA‐Amino Acids Conjugate as Specific SPECT Pharmaceuticals for Tumor Imaging

^99mTc‐Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid‐bis (amide) conjugates have been synthesized and evaluated as a potential radiopharmaceutical for tumor imaging. The compounds were synthesized by the condensation reaction of DTPA bis(anhydride) with different l ‐amino acids (methyl tryptophan, and 5‐hydroxy tryptophan) and were characterized on the basis of IR, NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. ^99mTc‐labeled compounds were found stable for about 24 h under physiological conditions with more than 95% radiolabeling yield. Blood kinetic studies of all these complexes showed a bi‐exponential pattern as well as quick wash out from the blood circulation. The biological t_1/2(F) and t_1/2(S) were found to be 20 ± 0.001 min for DTPA‐(Me‐Trp)₂ and 18 ± 0.001 min for DTPA‐(5HT)₂ and t_1/2 (slow) 5 h 45 min ± 0.001, 5 h 30 ± 0.001 min for DTPA‐(Me‐Trp)₂, and DTPA‐(5HT)₂, respectively. Imaging and biodistribution studies were performed in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) tumors in right thigh. Radioconjugate derived from l ‐5‐hydroxytryptophan exhibited remarkable localization at tumor site; whereas radiotracer derived from l ‐methyl tryptophan shows relatively less accumulation at the tumor site. Tumor‐to‐muscles ratios were 5.07 ± 0.001, and 4.2 ± 0.001 at 1 and 4 h for ^99mTc‐DTPA‐(Me trp)₂ and 4.97 ± 0.001 and 5.8 ± 0.001 at 1 and 4 h after postinjection for ^99mTc‐DTPA‐(5HT)₂, respectively. The preliminary results with these amino acid based ligands are encouraging to carrying out further in vivo experiments for targeted tumor imaging.     

Kit with technetium‐99m labelled antimicrobial peptide UBI 29‐41 for specific infection detection

The purpose of this study was to investigate radiochemical and biological characteristics of an instant kit for the preparation of ^99mTc‐labelled UBI 29‐41 for specific detection of infections. The kit is based on ^99mTc‐labelling via HYNIC conjugated to the terminal amine of the peptide, producing a well‐understood labelled compound. One hour after the addition of fresh ^99mTcO to the kit ITLC and HPLC reverse‐phase analysis was performed. Stability of the labelled complex was challenged and the binding to bacterial pellets was assessed. Finally, the biodistribution and accumulation in MRSA‐infected tissues were studied using scintigraphy and ex vivo countings. Data were compared to a non‐kit control method. Radiochemical analysis indicated >96% labelling, stability for 24 h and the preparation was used without purification. In vitro studies showed 41% of radioactivity was bound to bacteria. After injection into mice with a bacterial infection the site of infection was visualized within 30 min. Kit prepared ^99mTc‐HYNIC‐UBI 29‐41 was rapidly (half‐life 113 min) cleared via the kidneys and urinary bladder, essentially slower than control peptide (half‐life 74 min). This slower clearance results in higher activities in blood and other tissues. Nevertheless, ^99mTc‐HYNIC‐UBI 29‐41 shows favourable radiochemical characteristics and deserves further evaluation in a clinical setting. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.