Evaluation of 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltripeptides in mice and a baboon

Different derivatives of MAG₃ carrying amino acids such as d- or l-alanine, d-serine, d-2-aminobutyric acid, d-valine or d-phenylglycine were synthesized and their ^99mTc-complexes were evaluated in mice and a baboon. The efficiency of renal handling of the examined ^99mTc-complexes is influenced not only by their lipophilicity but also to a great extent by their configuration and the site of substitution. The renal excretion characteristics of ^99mTc-MAGAG-DA are superior to those of ^99mTc-MAG₃ and the studied ^99mTc-complexes in both animal species.In an attempt to improve the renal handling of ^99mTc-MAG₃ and to evaluate the effect of derivatization we have synthesized different derivatives of MAG₃ in which one or more glycyl groups are replaced by other amino acids such as d- or l-alanine, D-serine, D-2-aminobutyric acid, D-valine or D-phenylglycine. Due to the presence of a chiral centre in the ligand core, exchange labelling of each of the MAG₃ derivatives results in the formation of two diastereomeric technetium complexes. These isomers were separated by HPLC and evaluated in mice. Biodistribution in mice indicates that the efficiency of renal handling of the examined ^99mTc-complexes is not only influenced by their lipophilicity but also to a great extent by their configuration. The renal excretion characteristics of isomer dA of ^99mTc-MAGAG in mice are superior to those of all other studied ^99mTc-complexes and also of the reference compound [¹³¹I]Hippuran. The isomers lB of several alanyl derivatives of ^99mTc-MAG₃ exhibit a pronounced renal retention in both mice and baboon. The results of the evaluation in a baboon confirm the superiority of ^99mTc-MAGAG-dA over ^99mTc-MAG₃ and the other studied ^99mTc-complexes.     

Preparation,HPLC studies and biological behaviour of 99mTc- and 99mTcN-radiopharmaceuticals based on quinoline type ligands

^99mTc-Complexes of oxine (ox), thiooxine (tox) and 8-hydroxy-5-quinolinesulphonic acid (HQS) were prepared by ligand exchange of ^99mTcNCl₄⁻ and by stannous and dithionite reduction of ^99mTcO₄⁻. HPLC studies showed that the ^99mTcN-tox preparation was almost pure TcN(tox)₂. ^99mTc(Sn)-ox yielded a number of peaks upon HPLC with the major peak being identified as TcO(ox)₂Cl. No other Tc-complexes responsible for other chromatographic peaks were identified. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that all complexes except ^99mTc-HQS were cleared essentially by the hepatobiliary pathway. The ^99mTc-HQS preparations showed increased renal clearance due to the increased aqueous solubility of the complexes resulting from the presence of the sulphonate group on the quinoline ring.     

Analysis of elimination mechanisms of some 99mTc-complexes

The biological behaviour of complexes of ^99mTc with aminopolycarboxylic and aminocarbohydroxamic ligands EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), EDTAH (ethylenediaminetetraacetohydroxamic acid) and HIDAmH (N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-carboxymethyl-aminoacetohydroxamic acid) was studied in rabbits. The pharmacokinetic parameters determined in intact rabbits were compared with the results obtained in the study of renal and hepatic clearance of the complexes under study. Hepatobiliary excretion, which in [^99mTc]EDTA forms 20–30% of the total excreted amount, is of negligible magnitude in the other ^99mTc-complexes studied (<2%). Their renal clearance is not influenced by the inhibition of tubular secretion with probenecid. Binding to plasma proteins increases in the order [^99mTc]DTPA < [^99mTc]EDTA <[^99mTc]HIDAmH <[^99mTc]EDTAH and the elimination half-life increases in the same order. The value of renal clearance of the complexes studied related to inulin clearance correlates well with the fraction of the free drug in the plasma. In rabbits the complexes under study are excreted mainly by the mechanism of glomerular filtration in the kidney.     

Synthesis and biodistribution of a new class of 99mTc-labeled fatty acid analogs for myocardial imaging

A series of ^99mTc-bis(aminoethanethiol)-fatty acid (^99mTc-BAT-fatty acid) analogs were synthesized and evaluated as potential tracers of myocardial metabolism. The BAT-fatty acid precursors were prepared using a new synthetic route that avoids the use of strong reducing agents such as lithium aluminum hydride. Biodistribution studies of the no-carrier-added ^99mTc-complexes were conducted in rats using [¹²⁵I]IPPA as an internal standard. The myocardial uptake of the ^99mTc-BAT-fatty acid analogs was significantly less than that of [¹²⁵I]IPPA and indicates the ^99mTc analogs are not suitable candidates for SPECT-based myocardial imaging studies.     

Preparation and biological behaviour of some neutral 99mTc-carbonyl dithiocarbamates showing rapid hepatobiliary excretion

A simple procedure for the preparation of ^99mTc—carbonyl complexes of dithiocarbamates in high yield and radiochemical purity has been developed and used for the preparation of ^99mTc—carbonyl complexes of bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate and bis(2-hydroxypropyl)dithiocarbamate. These complexes were found to be extremely stable and their biological behaviour was studied in mice and compared to that of the ^99mTcN- and the ^99mTc-complexes [prepared by dithionite (dit) reduction] of the same ligands. The carbonyl complexes were found to be efficient hepatobiliary agents and cleared more rapidly than the corresponding ^99mTcN- and ^99mTc(dit)-complexes.     

Comparative evaluation of 99mTc-labeled aminothiols as possible brain perfusion imaging agents

Several new ^99mTc aminodithiols were prepared and evaluated comparatively in experimental animals. The ligands were diamine, triamine or tetramine dithiols. Substituents were either attached on one of the nitrogens or introduced in between the two nitrogens of diamino dithiol (DADT) backbone. ^99mTc-derivatives prepared by coupling DADT to secondary amines via ethylene group showed in mice high initial brain uptake and significant retention in brain tissue. These preparations were mixtures of more than one ^99mTc-complex differing in brain uptake and clearance from the brain. The highest brain retention (brain to blood ratio 2.53, 15 min p.i.) was achieved with the ^99mTc-complex prepared by coupling DADT with ethylene pyrrolidine. Lengthening the chain between the nitrogens of DADT moiety by introducing methyl or amino alkyl groups resulted in ^99mTc-complexes with poor brain accumulation.     

99mTc-tricarbonyl labeled agents for cell labeling: Development,biodistribution in normal mice and preliminary in vitro evaluation

We have developed four ^99mTc(CO)₃-labeled lipophilic tracers as potential radiolabeling agents for cells based on a hexadecyl tail. ^99mTc(CO)₃-hexadecylamino-N,N′-diacetic acid (negatively charged), ^99mTc(CO)₃-hexadecylamino-N-α-picolyl-N′-acetic acid (uncharged), ^99mTc(CO)₃-N,N′-dipicolylhexadecylamine (positively charged), ^99mTc(CO)₃-N-hexadecylaminoethyl-N′-aminoethylamine (positively charged) were prepared in a radiolabeling yield: >90%. Preliminary cell uptake studies were performed in mixed blood cells with or without plasma and were compared with ^99mTc-d,l-HMPAO and [¹⁸F]FDG. In plasma-free blood cells, maximum uptake (78%) was obtained for ^99mTc(CO)₃-N-hexadecylaminoethyl-N′-aminoethylamine after 60 min incubation (compared to 55% and 23% for ^99mTc-d,l-HMPAO and [¹⁸F]FDG, respectively) while in plasma-rich medium, ^99mTc(CO)₃-N,N′-dipicolylhexadecylamine was best bound (54%, similar to the binding of ^99mTc-d,l-HMPAO). Biodistribution in normal mice showed mainly hepatobiliary clearance of the agents and initial high lung uptake. The radiolabeled compounds showed good blood clearance with maximally 7.9% injected dose per gram at 60 min post injection. While the least lipophilic agent (^99mTc(CO)₃-N,N′-dipicolylhexadecylamine, log P = 1.3) showed the best cell uptake, there appears to be no direct correlation between lipophilicity and tracer uptake in mixed blood cells. In view of its comparable cell uptake to well known cell labeling agent ^99mTc-d,l-HMPAO, ^99mTc(CO)₃-N,N′-dipicolylhexadecylamine merits further evaluation as a potential cell labeling agent.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel 99mTc(CO)3 complex of ciprofloxacin dithiocarbamate as a potential agent to target infection

The ciprofloxacin dithiocarbamate (CPFXDTC) was radiolabeled with [^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ intermediate to form the ^99mTc(CO)₃–CPFXDTC complex in high yield. The ^99mTc(CO)₃–CPFXDTC complex was characterized by HPLC and its stability in serum was studied. Its partition coefficient indicated that it was a lipophilic complex. The bacterial binding efficiency of ^99mTc(CO)₃–CPFXDTC was almost the same as that of ^99mTcN–CPFXDTC, and was higher than that of ^99mTc–ciprofloxacin. Biodistribution results in induced infection mice showed ^99mTc(CO)₃–CPFXDTC had higher uptake at the sites of infection and better abscess/blood and abscess/muscle ratios than those of ^99mTc–ciprofloxacin and ^99mTcN–CPFXDTC. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) static imaging study in infected rabbits demonstrated the uptake in the left thigh infection lesion was observable, while no accumulation in the right thigh muscle was found. These results suggested ^99mTc(CO)₃–CPFXDTC would be a promising candidate for further evaluation as infection imaging agent.     

Intensification of tumor affinity of 99mTc—dl-homocysteine by cooperative use of SH-containing compounds

The enhancement of tumor-specific distribution was investigated on ^99mTc—dl-homocysteine (^99mTc-Hcy), a possible tumor-imaging agent. In vitro HPLC analysis showed that ^99mTc-Hcy did not bind to nonmercaptalbumin but to mercaptalbumin in blood. When glutathione, homocysteine or cysteine, which converts albumin from the mercapto- to nonmercapto-form, was intravenously injected into Tc-Hcy predosed mice bearing Ehrlich solid tumor, the SH-containing compounds did not affect the radioactivity distribution in tumor, but decreased that in blood to less than half that of untreated animals. In vitro gel filtration analysis showed that glutathione released ^99mTc-Hcy from albumin. Free ^99mTc-Hcy produced in blood by the treatment was rapidly excreted into urine. These results suggest that the combination of ^99mTc-Hcy and SH-containing compounds is useful for tumor-imaging.     

Synthesis and biological studies of neutral technetium (V) complexes containing NNOS donor sets

Complexation of ligands containing an N₃S donor set has been affected with [^99mTc]. These are part of a ligand series of analogous structures which exhibit similar chemistry and potentially interesting biology. The complexes which have been characterized with [^33mTc]as [TcOL] are neutral and lipophilic and their biological behaviour has been assessed in rats. After HPLC purification of the no-carrier added preparation, brain uptake of the tracers was > 1% at 15 min p.i. Muscle activity was significant with slow blood clearance.     

Olefinic and acetylenic butenolides from Peucedanum alsaticum

The lipophilic root extract of Peucedanum alsaticum afforded four highly unstable butenolides which could be separated by HPLC. Whereas the stereochemistry of three olefinic derivatives, previously isolated only as their methyl ethers, were now established by ¹H NMR, the structure of a new acetylenic lactone was additionally confirmed by ¹³C NMR. The compounds are probably formed by condensation of unsaturated C₁₈-acids with pyruvate.     

Structure—distribution relationship studies of 99mTc-2,3-dioxime complexes

The structure-distribution relationship studies of a homologous series of anionic ^99mTc-2,3-dioximino-alkanes in mice, showed very low specific organ uptakes due to a combination of rapid clearance and excessive blood binding factors as found for the cationic ^99mTc-diamine analogues (Salako and Theobald, Nucl. Med. Biol.17, 437–441; 1990. The dioxime complexes showed a preference for hepatobiliary clearance unlike the diamine complexes which were cleared through the renal tract. The relationship between the amount cleared through the biliary tract and molecular weight of the dioxime complexes is binomial, with the optimum about the C-8 chain homologue. The hepatobiliary clearance model which was discovered for these complexes follows a multiple correlation equation which has a combination of four physico-chemical properties in the order: log P, charge, protein binding and molecular weight. It was observed particularly that the log P and charge have broadly similar magnitudes (to those in the urinary model of the diamine complexes) but reversed signs. The sign on the charge coefficient is negative, indicating that an overall negative charge is required for efficient hepatobiliary extraction and excretion of these Tc-complexes.     

Biolocalization and cell labeling properties of neutral-lipophilic 99mTc-amine-phenol chelates

^99mTc-diamine-diphenol chelates are neutral lipophilic chelates exhibiting good stability in aqueous solutions. The cell labeling and biolocalization properties of four different ^99mTc-amine-phenol complexes were determined. All four chelates readily labeled leukocytes and RCBs in high yields. Even though ^99mTc was retained by the cells, the elution rate of ^99mTc from the labeled cells in plasma at 37 °C was unacceptably high for potential utility in scintigraphic imaging. The uptake of ^99mTc in brain or heart following i.v. injection of the chelates in rats was low and clearance of activity from the blood was slow.     

Technetium-99m p-iodophenethyldiaminodithiol (DADT-IPE): Potential brain perfusion imaging agent for SPECT

A new ligand, an N-p-iodophenethyl diaminodithiol (DADT-IPE), an anlog of N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine (IMP), was synthesized and subsequently complexed with ^99mTc, using stannous chloride as a reducing agent. Two complexes (a and b) were separated from ^99mTc-DADT-IPE by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Competitive inhibition studies showed that the IC₅₀ value of DADT-IPE (70 μM) was similar to that of IMP (49 μM). Biodistribution studies of one of the complexes [^99mTc-DADT-IPE(a)] in rats showed that 0.65% of the injected dose of the tracer remained in the brain at 5 min after intravenous injection, with 0.53% of the dose remaining in the brain at 60 min post-injection, whereas the corresponding values for the other complex [^99mTc-DADT-IPE(b)] were 0.34% dose in the brain at 5 min and 0.28% dose in the brain at 60 min post-injection. The half-life for clearance of ^99mTc-DADT-IPE(a) from rat brain was found to be more than 5 h. These results suggested that ^99mTc-DADT-IPE(a) has characteristics which are suitable for cerebral perfusion imaging.     

Synthesis,characterization and biodistribution of tris(β-diketonato)technetium(III) complexes

New tris(β-diketonato) complexes of trivalent ⁹⁹Tc/^99mTc with the ligands hexane-2,4-dione, heptane-2,4-dione, heptane-3,5-dione, and octane-3,5-dione were synthesized by reduction of pertechnetate with dithionite in the presence of excess β-diketone. The complexes were purified by HPLC, identified by elemental analysis and FAB mass spectrometry, and characterized by vis./u.v./i.r. spectrophotometry. The hexane-2,4-dionato complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c, isostructurally with pentane-2,4-dionatotechnetium(III). Biodistribution measurements in mice showed the neutral and lipophilic ^99mTc-diketonato complexes to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. However, increasing lipophilicity decreased the brain uptake except for the heptane-2,4-dionato complex, which displayed the highest uptake of 0.82% injected dose/g.     

Direct labeling of proteins with 99mTc

The direct labeling of antibodies and antibody fragments to form a highly stable bond between technetium and the sulfide groups of proteins is now well established. To optimize this reaction, the antibody protein must have sufficient reactive sulfides available to accept that technetium metal ions that are formed by the reduction of pertechnetate in the presence of a weak complexing agent. The reactive sulfide groups are provided by first reducing a small fraction of the disulfide bridges in the antibody protein or by starting with Fab′ fragments, which already have reactive sulfide groups. When the antibody protein has been appropriately reduced, and the reactive sulfide groups protected by a metal ion with a lower binding affinity than technetium, such as tin or zinc, very high labeling yields of high-affinity-bonded ^99mTc can be achieved. This can be accomplished without loss of immunoreactivity, measured as either affinity or immunoreactive fraction.Side reactions can produce radiochemical impurities such as low-affinity, bound ^99mTc; ^99mTc colloids; ^99mTc peptides or antibody aggregates; or ^99mTc-complexes. Also, pertechnetate ions may be an impurity if the sodium pertechnetate solution added to the reduced antibodies is not completely reduced. The specifics of minimizing these side reactions have not been extensively discussed in the prior literature; however, it is clear that appropriate reduction of the protein prior to labeling and complete removal of the reducing agent, particularly if it contains reactive sulfide groups or is toxic, are critical.One- or two-step ^99mTc-labeling kits for preparing ^99mTc-labeled antibody or antibody fragments are rapidly being introduced for use in clinical nuclear medicine studies. These direct labeling methods employ a common sequence of chemical reactions, although the reducing agents for both the antibody and the [^99mTc]pertechnetate may vary. Different ^99mTc transfer agents may be used, but all transfer agents have the common feature of quickly forming weak to moderately strong complexes with reduced technetium. Most use Sn(II) to reduce the pertechnetate, although other reducing agents can be used.     

Phenolic aminocarboxylate chelates of 99mTc as hepatobiliary agents

A series of alkyl- and halogen-substituted derivatives of ethylenediamine di[o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid] (EDDHA) and N,N′-bis[2-hydroxybenzyl]ethylenediamine N,N′-diacetic acid (HBED) were complexed with ^99mTc and their biodistribution was determined in rats.All complexes displayed substantial hepatobiliary excretion; of each series, ^99mTc-Br-EDDHA and ^99mTc-di-Cl-HBED had the maximum amount in the gastrointestinal tract.Scintigraphic studies of ^99mTc-Cl-EDDHA in dogs revealed prompt imaging of the liver followed by imaging of the gall bladder as the complex was excreted into the bile.     

Cobalt(III) complexes with linear hexadentate N6 or N4S2 donor set atoms providing pyridyl-amide-amine/thioether coordination

Two new cobalt(III) complexes of symmetric hexadentate ligand with N₆ [1,10-bis(2-picolinamide)-4,7-diazadecane (pycdpnen)] and N₄S₂ [1,8-bis(2-picolinamide)-3,6-dithiaoctane (pycdadt)] donor set atoms have been synthesized as perchlorate salts and characterized by spectroscopic methods. All two ligands with strong-field pyridylcarboxamido N donor stabilize Co(III) as demonstrated by the facile oxidation of the cobalt center. The structures of [Co(pycdpnenH₋₂)](ClO₄) (1) and [Co(pycdadtH₋₂)](ClO₄) · H₂O (2) investigated by COSY, HMBC, HMQC and NOESY NMR studies show that compounds 1 and 2 have the same geometrical configuration. The X-ray analysis reveals that complex 2 crystallizes in a orthorhombic space group Pccn. The cation [Co(pycdadtH₋₂)]⁺ is distorted octahedral with the two pyridyl groups in cis position.     

Measurement of Technetium-99m Sestamibi Signals in Rats Administered a Mitochondrial Uncoupler and in a Rat Model of Heart Failure

Background

Many methods have been used to assess mitochondrial function. Technetium-99m sestamibi (^99mTc-MIBI), a lipophilic cation, is rapidly incorporated into myocardial cells by diffusion and mainly localizes to the mitochondria. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether measurement of ^99mTc-MIBI signals in animal models could be used as a tool to quantify mitochondrial membrane potential at the organ level.

Methods and Results

We analyzed ^99mTc-MIBI signals in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat hearts perfused with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a mitochondrial uncoupler known to reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential. ^99mTc-MIBI signals could be used to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential with sensitivity comparable to that obtained by two-photon laser microscopy with the cationic probe tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE). We also measured ^99mTc-MIBI signals in the hearts of SD rats administered CCCP (4 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or vehicle. ^99mTc-MIBI signals decreased in rat hearts administered CCCP, and the ATP content, as measured by ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, decreased simultaneously. Next, we administered ^99mTc-MIBI to Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet, which leads to hypertension and heart failure. The ^99mTc-MIBI signal per heart tissue weight was inversely correlated with heart weight, cardiac function, and the expression of atrial natriuretic factor, a marker of heart failure, and positively correlated with the accumulation of labeled fatty acid analog. The ^99mTc-MIBI signal per liver tissue weight was lower than that per heart tissue weight.

Conclusion

Measurement of ^99mTc-MIBI signals can be an effective tool for semiquantitative investigation of cardiac mitochondrial membrane potential in the SD rat model by using a chemical to decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential. The ^99mTc-MIBI signal per heart tissue weight was inversely correlated with the severity of heart failure in the Dahl rat model.     

Design,synthesis and structure–activity relationship of rhenium 2-arylbenzothiazoles as β-amyloid plaque binding agents

To continue our efforts toward the development of ^99mTc PiB analogs, we have synthesized 24 neutral and lipophilic Re (as a surrogate of ^99mTc) 2-arylbenzothiazoles, and explored their structure–activity relationship for binding to Aβ_1–40 fibrils. These Re complexes were designed and synthesized via the integrated approach, so their ^99mTc analogs would have a greater chance of crossing the blood–brain barrier. While the lipophilicities (log P_C18 = 1.59–3.53) of these Re 2-arylbenzothiazoles were all within suitable range, their binding affinities (K_i = 30–617 nM) to Aβ_1–40 fibrils varied widely depending on the selection and integration of the tetradentate chelator into the 2-phenylbenzothiazole pharmacophore. For potential clinical applications, further refinement to obtain Re 2-arylbenzothiazoles with better binding affinities (<10 nM) will likely be needed. The integrated approach reported here to generate compact, neutral and lipophilic Re 2-arylbenzothiazoles could be applied to other potent pharmacophores as well to convert other current Aβ PET tracers to their ^99mTc analogs for more widespread application via the use of SPECT scanners.