Structural characterization of a metal-based perfusion tracer: Copper(II) pyruvaldehyde bis (N4-methylthiosemicarbazone)

Copper(II) pyruvaldehyde bis(N⁴-methylthiosemicarbazone), Cu(PTSM), has been obtained as a dark red crystalline solid from EtOH-DMSO solvent mixture and structurally characterized by x-ray crystallography. The molecule possesses the expected pseudo-square planar N₂S₂ metal coordination sphere; however, the copper center also interacts through its axial coordination site with the sulfur atom of an adjacent Cu(PTSM) molecule in the crystal lattice. The structure of this compound is compared with the structures of other metal complexes that have been proposed in the nuclear medicine literature as perfusion tracers.     

Spectroscopic,structural and antibacterial properties of copper(II) complexes with bio-relevant 5-methyl-3-formylpyrazole N(4)-benzyl-N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone

The coordination behaviour of the title ligand, 5-methyl-3-formylpyrazole N(4)-benzyl-N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone(HMPz4BM), is reported with solid state isolation of copper(II) complexes, [Cu(HMPz4BM)X₂] (X = Cl, Br, NO₃, ClO₄ and BF₄) which have been spectroscopically and structurally characterised. I.r. data for the free ligand and its Cu(II) complexes indicate that HMPz4BM exhibits a neutral NNS tridentate function via the pyrazolyl nitrogen(tertiary), azomethine nitrogen and thione sulphur. Electronic spectral data are suggestive of a square pyramidal environment for the seemingly pentacoordinated Cu(II) species. E.s.r parameters (RT and LNT) of the reported copper(II) complexes are indicative of a dx_x2–y2 ground state for the reported species. Cyclic voltammograms of Cu(II) complexes show a quasireversible Cu^II/Cu^III couple and also an irreversible Cu^II/Cu^I couple. X-ray crystallography of a representative species, [Cu(HMPz4BM)(NO₃)₂] (C2/c, monoclinic ), has unambiguously documented the conjectural findings from i.r. data that coordinating sites of the title ligand are pyrazolyl (tertiary)nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen and the thione sulphur (NNS); and the oxygen of one of the nitrate ions has occupied the basal plane; the fifth coordination position has been occupied by the oxygen of another nitrate ion in a square pyramidal geometry. The antibacterial properties of the ligand and its copper(II) complexes studied on microorganism, Staphylococcus aureus have pointed out that most of the complexes have higher activities than that of the free ligand.     

Radiolabeling rhesus monkey CD34+ hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells with 64Cu-pyruvaldehyde-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) for microPET imaging

Noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET) provides a potential method for in vivo tracking of radiolabeled cells. The goal of this study was to assess the potential toxicity of 64Cu-pyruvaldehyde-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (PTSM) on rhesus monkey CD34+ hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells in vitro in preparation for developing imaging protocols posttransplantation. CD34+ hematopoietic cells were radiolabeled with 0 to 40 microCi/mL 64Cu-PTSM and viability and colony formation were assessed. Rhesus monkey mesenchymal stem cells (rhMSCs) were placed in culture postradiolabeling for assessments of growth and differentiation toward adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. The results indicated that CD34+ cells radiolabeled with 20 microCi/mL and rhMSCs radiolabeled with 10 microCi/mL 64Cu-PTSM did not result in adverse effects on growth or differentiation. Nonradioactive copper was also evaluated and showed that the presence of copper was not harmful to the cells. CD34+ cells and rhMSCs radiolabeled with the optimized concentrations of 20 and 10 microCi/mL, respectively, were also assessed using the microPET scanner. Studies showed that a minimum of 2.50x10(4) CD34+ cells (1.1 pCi/cell) and 6.25x10(3) rhMSCs (4.4 pCi/cell) could be detected. These studies indicate that CD34+ hematopoietic cells and rhMSCs can be safely radiolabeled with 64Cu-PTSM without adverse cellular effects.     

A novel zinc bis(thiosemicarbazone) complex for live cell imaging

Fluorescent zinc complexes have recently attracted a lot of interest owing to their vast applications in cellular imaging. We report the synthesis as well as physical, chemical and biological studies of a novel zinc glyoxalbis(4-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone), [Zn(GTSC)]₃, complex. As compared with the well-studied zinc biacetylbis(4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone), Zn(ATSM), complex, which was used as a reference, [Zn(GTSC)]₃ had 2.5-fold higher fluorescence. When cellular fluorescence was measured using flow cytometry, we observed that [Zn(GTSC)]₃ had 3.4-fold to 12-fold higher fluorescence than Zn(ATSM) in various cell lines (n = 9) of different tissue origin. Confocal fluorescence microscopy results showed that [Zn(GTSC)]₃ appeared to have a nuclear localization within 30 min of addition to MCF7 cells. Moreover, [Zn(GTSC)]₃ showed minimal cytotoxicity compared with Zn(ATSM), suggesting that [Zn(GTSC)]₃ may be less deleterious to cells when used as an imaging agent. Our data suggest that the novel [Zn(GTSC)]₃ complex can potentially serve as a biocompatible fluorescent imaging agent for live cells.     

Characterization of a mononuclear copper carboxylate complex: Bis(acetylsalicylato)bis(pyridine)copper(II)

The preparation, spectral properties, and crystal structure of a mononuclear copper(II) complex of acetylsalicylate and pyridine are reported. The complex exists as bis(acetylsalicylato)bis(pyridine)copper(II) both in the solid state and in chloroform solution. The crystal is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, with a = 17.823(5), b = 10.903(4), c = 6.598(2) Å, β = 95.74(2)°. The final refinement used 1472 observed reflections and gave an R of 0.046. The copper atom is surrounded by four atoms in a trans square planar arrangement with two short CuO distances of 1.949(3) Å and two CuN distances of 2.003(4) Å. Two longer CuO distances of 2.623(3) Å are made with the remaining oxygen atoms of the aspirin carboxylate groups.     

Recombinant complement receptor 2 radiolabeled with [99mTc(CO)3]+: a potential new radiopharmaceutical for imaging activated complement

We describe the design and synthesis of a new Tc-99m labeled bioconjugate for imaging activated complement, based on Short Consensus Repeats 1 and 2 of Complement Receptor 2 (CR2), the binding domain for C3d. To avoid non specific modification of CR2 and the potential for modifying lysine residues critical to the CR2/C3d contact surface, we engineered a new protein, recombinant CR2 (rCR2), to include the C-terminal sequence VFPLECHHHHHH, a hexahistidine tag (for site-specific radiolabeling with [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(OH(2))(3)](+)). The protein was characterized by N-terminal sequencing, SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography. To test the function of the recombinant CR2, binding to C3d was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The function was further confirmed by binding of rCR2 to C3d(+) red blood cells (RBC) which were generated by deposition of human or rat C3d and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The affinity of rCR2 for C3d(+), in presence of 150 mM NaCl, was measured using surface plasma resonance giving rise to a K(D)≈500 nM. Radiolabeling of rCR2 or an inactive mutant of rCR2 (K41E CR2) or an unrelated protein of a similar size (C2A) with [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(OH(2))(3)](+) at gave radiochemical yields >95%. Site-specifically radiolabeled rCR2 bound to C3d to C3d(+) RBC. Binding of radiolabeled rCR2 to C3d was inhibited by anti-C3d and the radiolabeled inactive mutant K41E CR2 and C2A did not bind to C3d(+) RBCs. We conclude that rCR2-Tc(99m) has excellent radiolabeling, stability and C3d binding characteristics and warrants in vivo evaluation as an activated complement imaging agent.     

Evaluation of Z-(R,R)-IQNP for the potential imaging of m2 mAChR rich regions of the brain and heart

Alterations in the function or density of the m2 muscarinic (mAChR) subtype have been postulated to play an important role in various dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. The ability to image and quantify the m2 mAChR subtype is of importance for a better understanding of the m2 subtype function in various dementias. Z-(R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-y (R)-alpha-hydroxy-alpha-(1-iodo-1-propen-3-yl)-alpha-phenylacetate (Z-(R,R)-IQNP) has demonstrated significant uptake in cerebral regions that contain a high concentration of m2 mAChR subtype in addition to heart tissue. The present study was undertaken to determine if the uptake of Z-(R,R)-IQNP in these regions is a receptor mediated process and to identify the radiospecies responsible for binding at the receptor site. A blocking study demonstrated cerebral and cardiac levels of activity were significantly reduced by pretreatment (2-3 mg/kg) of (R)-3-quinuclidinyl benzilate, dexetimide and scopolamine, established muscarinic antagonists. A direct comparison of the cerebral and cardiac uptake of [I-125]-Z-(R,R)-IQNP and [I-131]-E-(R,R)-IQNP (high uptake in ml, m4 rich mAChR cerebral regions) demonstrated Z-(R,R)-IQNP localized to a higher degree in cerebral and cardiac regions containing a high concentration of the m2 mAChR subtype as directly compared to E-(R,R)-IQNP. In addition, a study utilizing [I-123]-Z-(R,R)-IQNP, [I-131]-iododexetimide and [I-125]-R-3-quinuclidinyl S-4-iodobenzilate, Z-(R,R)-IQNP demonstrated significantly higher uptake and longer residence time in those regions which contain a high concentration of the m2 receptor subtype. Folch extraction of global brain and heart tissue at various times post injection of [I-125]-Z-(R,R)-IQNP demonstrated that approximately 80% of the activity was extracted in the lipid soluble fraction and identified as the parent ligand by TLC and HPLC analysis. These results demonstrate Z-(R,R)-IQNP has significant uptake, long residence time and high stability in cerebral and cardiac tissues containing high levels of the m2 mAChR subtype. These combined results strongly suggest that Z-(R,R)-IQNP is an attractive ligand for the in vivo imaging and evaluation of m2 rich cerebral and cardiac regions by SPECT.     

A tetranuclear copper(II) complex with bis(o-aminobenzaldehyde)thiocarbohydrazone

Bis(o-aminobenzaldehyde)thiocarbohydrazone (HL) forms with copper(II) nitrate a tetranuclear complex [Cu₂(L)(NO₃)₃]₂·2H₂O, in which two dinuclear units are joined by nitrate bridges. The dihydrazone ligand behaves ditopically, providing NNS and NNN binding sites, with the four coppers essentially in a square-pyramidal geometry. The tetranuclear molecule displays intramolecular magnetic interactions, with the antiferromagnetic exchange (−2J = 210(1) cm⁻¹) between the copper(II) ions within each dinuclear moiety dominant over weak interdimer ferromagnetic coupling.     

A polarimetric study of the reaction of bis(L-serinato)copper(II) with formaldehyde

Polarimetric data have shown that the base-catalyzed reaction of bis(L-serinato)copper(II) with excess formaldehyde proceeds via the initial dissociation of the proton on the nitrogen atom of the amino acid chelate. A bis(oxazolidine)copper(II) complex appears as an intermediate but this species is not detected polarimetrically at 50°C and above.     

The preparation and x-ray crystal structures of bis(4R-oxazolidine-4′-carboxylato)copper(II) (R = methyl,phenyl)

The base-catalyzed condensation reactions of formaldehyde with the copper(II) chelates of α-alanine and C-phenylglycine result in the formation of bis(4R-oxazolidine-4′-carboxylato)copper(II) where R = methyl and phenyl respectively. The 4-methyl complex, C₁₀H₂₀N₂O₈Cu, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 9.141(2), b = 7.335(3), c = 11.112(3) Å, β = 103.87(2)° and Z = 2. The structure has been refined to R = 0.026 and R_w = 0.031 based on 749 independent reflections collected, 651 used. The geometry about copper is essentially a (4 + 2)-elongated octahedral structure. The 4-phenyl derivative, C₂₀H₂₀N₂O₆Cu, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 11.939(4), b = 8.887(2), c = 8.611(3) Å, β = 95.61(3)° and Z = 2. Refinement of the structure converged to R = 0.062 and R_w = 0.071 based on 1003 reflections collected and 865 used. The structure of the 4-phenyl complex resembles that of the 4-methyl derivative and differs mainly from the latter in being anhydrous.     

Genetically encoded red fluorescent copper(I) sensors for cellular copper(I) imaging

Copper ranks among the most important metal ions in living organism, owing to its key catalytic effect in a range of biochemical processes. Dysregulation of in vivo copper(I) metabolism is extremely toxic and would cause serious diseases in human, such as Wilson’s and Menkes. Thus, it would be highly valuable to have a proper approach to monitor the dynamics of copper(I) in vivo, as it is directly related to the onset of human copper(I)-related diseases. Under these circumstance, developing fluorescent protein based copper(I) sensors is highly demanded. However, these established sensors are mostly based on green or yellow FPs. Fluorescent copper(I) sensors with a spectra in the red range are more desirable due to lower phototoxicity, less auto-fluorescent noise and better penetration of red light. In the present work, we grafted a special red FP into three different location of a copper(I) binding protein, and generate a series of red fluorescent copper(I) sensors. Despite their limited in vivo sensitivity toward copper(I), these sensors are viable for cellular copper(I) imaging. Furthermore, these red fluorescent copper(I) sensors are a good starting point to develop superior copper(I) biosensors capable of imaging copper(I) fluctuations within a truly biologically relevant concentration, and further effort to realize this endeavor is under way.     

Synthesis, structure and biological evaluation of bis salicylaldehyde-4(N)-ethylthiosemicarbazone ruthenium(iii) triphenylphosphine

Bis salicylaldehyde-4(N)-ethylthiosemicarbazone ruthenium(iii) triphenylphosphine [Ru(Sal-etsc)(H-Sal-etsc)(PPh(3))] was synthesized and structurally characterized by spectral and X-ray crystallographic studies and it showed 100% inhibition on the DPPH radical. It also exhibited a significant lymphocyte activity and inhibitory effect on the lung carcinoma A549 cell.     

Crystal structure and magnetic behaviour of a five-coordinate iron(III) complex of pyridoxal-4-methylthiosemicarbazone

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of a penta-coordinate iron(III) complex of pyridoxal-4-methylthiosemicarbazone, [Fe(H₂mthpy)Cl₂](CH₃C₆H₄SO₃), are reported. The synthesised ligand and the metal complex were characterised by spectroscopic methods (¹H NMR, IR, and mass spectroscopy), elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallises as dark brown microcrystals. The crystal data determined at 100(1) K revealed a triclinic system, space group (Z = 2). The ONSCl₂ geometry around the iron(III) atom is intermediate between trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramidal (τ = 0.40). The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility (5-300 K) is consistent with a high spin Fe(III) ion (S = 5/2) exhibiting zero-field splitting. Interpretation of these data yielded: D = 0.34(1) cm⁻¹ and g = 2.078(3).     

Three ion-pair complexes containing bis(maleonitriledithiolate)copper(II) anion and substituted 4-dimethylaminopyridinium: Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Three new ion-pair complexes, [4RBzDMAP]₂[Cu(mnt)₂] (mnt²⁻ = maleonitriledithiolate; [4RBzDMAP]⁺ = 1-(4′-R-benzyl)-4-dimethylaminopyridinium, R = F(1), Cl(2) and Br(3)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV, single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The [Cu(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions and the cations stack alternately and form a 1D column via C-H···S, C-H···π or C-H···Cu interactions for 1 and 2. While the cations stack into a column though π···π or C-H···π interactions between pyridine and phenyl rings for 1 and 3. The change of the molecular topology of the counteraction when the 4-substituted group in the benzyl ring have been changed from F or Cl to Br atom, results in the difference in the crystal system, space group and the stacking mode of the cations and anions of 1, 2 and 3. Some weak hydrogen bonds between the adjacent columns further generate a 3D network structure. It is interesting that 1 and 2 exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling with θ = −2.372 K and θ = −14.732 K, while 3 shows weak ferromagnetic coupling feature with θ = 0.381 K.     

Syntheses and spectroscopic studies of potential antitumor copper(II) complexes with 5-phenylazo-3-methoxy salicylidene thiosemicarbazone and N4 substituted thiosemicarbazones

Five new copper(II) complexes of 5-phenylazo-3-methoxy salicylidene thiosemicarbazone and N4 substituted thiosemicarbazones have been synthesized. They have been characterized by chemical analyses, magnetic, conductance data, and by ultraviolet (UV)--visible, infrared, and electron spin resonance spectra. The complexes have the general formula CuL2, where HL is the ligand. One representative complex has been screened in vitro and in vivo against P388 lymphocytic leukemia cells sensitive and resistant to adriamycin (P388/S and P388/R). It has shown promising growth inhibition activity. We are reporting here for the first time the antineoplastic activity of this complex against experimental tumor systems.     

Stimulated release of exogenous GABA and glutamate from cerebral cortical synaptosomes and brain slices by bis (acetato) tetrakis (imidazole) copper(II) complex

Severe matermal zinc deficiency has a devastating effect on pregnancy outcome. Studies of humans and experimental animals show that matermal zinc deficiency can cause infertility, prolonged labor, intrauterine growth retardation, teratogenesis, severe immunological deficiencies, or fetal death. The additional need for zinc during pregnancy can be met by an increase in zinc intake. An increase in zinc supplements, when excessive, can cause a decrease in copper. Therefore, it is important to determine the zinc and copper concentrations in embryonic tissue in experimental models and their relationship with embryo number and viability. BALB/c mice were divided into groups according to zinc oral supplementation and gestational age. Phagocytosis was assesed in peritoneal macrophages from dams. The zinc and copper concentrations were obtained by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Zn and Cu data concentrations in all the analyzed samples were above the detection limits. No spectral interferences were found in both elements (standard reference material was used). Zinc concentrations show a tendency to increase in embryos (14 gestational days and 21 gestational days) supplemented with zinc. Copper concentrations showed a noticeable tendency to diminish (36% and 27%, respectively) in the same period. In contrast, in placenta Zn values were increased by 30% and Cu values were decreased by 26%. We suggest a pivotal role of the placenta metabolism with its homeostatic mechanisms, in these findings. An important increment appeared in the +Zn embryo number (40%) relative to control (−Zn) embryos at 21 d gestational age. Embryo mortality was at 6% in +Zn embryos and at 20% in −Zn embryos. We consider these findings, both in the number and in the viability of +Zn embryos, outstanding.     

Trans-bis(benzo(1,3)-thiazole)bis(N,N-dimethylformamide)bis(N-thiocyanato)-cobalt(II): spectroscopy,thermal analysis and crystal structure

Disolution of Co(bzt)₂(NCS)₂ (bzt = benzo 1,3- thiazole) in dimethyl formamide (dmf) produces Co(bzt)₂(NCS)₂(dmf)₂. The stoichionmetry of the complex has been established by a combination of chemical (C, H, N) and thermal analysis. The comlex has an octahedral structure with pairs of ligands in trans configuration as well as a CoN₄O₂ coordination sphere with CoN distances of 2.185(2) Å (bzt); 2.082(2) Å (NCS) and CoN(dmf) of 2.118(2) Å. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra are consistent with this arrangement.     

Syntheses and structures of bis(2,6-xylyl-nacnac) copper(I) complexes

The copper(I) complexes {(bis-2,6-dimethylphenyl-penta-2,3-diiminato)Cu}₂(μ-toluene), 3 has been prepared and its reactivity against Lewis bases and nitrous oxide investigated. Complex 3 crystallizes as a toluene-bridged dimer and forms mono- and dinuclear benzene adducts in C₆D₆ solution. It does not coordinate excess THF, but reacts quantitatively with 1 equiv. of acetonitrile. Reaction with 2,6-xylyl isonitrile yields (bis-2,6-dimethylphenyl-penta-2,3-diiminato)Cu(2,6-xylyl isonitrile), 5, (ν_CN = 2123 cm⁻¹), which was characterized by an X-ray diffraction study. Complex 3 does not react with nitrous oxide in either C₆D₆ solution (5 days 50 °C) or in diethyl ether (13 days at ambient temperature).     

Noncovalent DNA binding of bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) and related compounds

The noncovalent DNA binding of the bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) complex [(Phen)2CuI] was examined under anaerobic conditions by absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and viscometry, as a function of phenanthroline concentration. Analyses according to the McGhee-von Hippel method indicated that binding exhibited both neighbor-exclusion and positive cooperativity effects, with a neighbor-exclusion parameter n approximately 2 and a cooperativity parameter omega approximately 4. The association constant for (Phen)2CuI binding decreased with increasing concentration of phenanthroline in excess over that required to stoichiometrically generate (Phen)2CuI, indicating that free phenanthroline was a weak competitive inhibitor of (Phen)2CuI binding. The maximal association constant for DNA binding of (Phen)2CuI in 0.2 M NaCl and 9.8% ethanol, extrapolated to zero concentration of excess phenanthroline, was 4.7 x 10(4) M-1 (DNA base pairs). The magnitude of the neighbor-exclusion parameter, the changes in spectral properties of (Phen)2CuI induced by DNA binding, and the increase in DNA solution viscosity upon (Phen)2CuI addition are consistent with a model for DNA binding by (Phen)2CuI involving partial intercalation of one phenanthroline ring of the complex between DNA base pairs in the minor groove as suggested previously [Veal & Rill (1989) Biochemistry 28, 3243-3250]. Viscosity measurements indicated that the mono(phenanthroline)copper(I) complex also binds to DNA by intercalation; however, no spectroscopic or viscometric evidence was found for DNA binding of free phenanthroline or the bis(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(I) complex. DNA binding of free phenanthroline may be cooperative and induced by prior binding of (Phen)2CuI.