Labeling of fatty acid ligands with the strong electrophilic metal fragment [99mTc(N)(PNP)]2+ (PNP=diphosphane ligand)

The electrophilic metal fragment [(99m)Tc(N)(PNP)](2+) (PNP=diphosphane ligand) has been employed for the labeling of fatty acid chains of different lengths. To provide a site-specific group for the attachment of the metallic moiety, the fatty acid derivatives were functionalized by appending a bis-mercapto or, alternatively, a dithiocarbamato pi-donor chelating systems to one terminus of the carbon chain to yield both dianionic and monoanionic bifunctional ligands (L). The resulting complexes, [(99m)Tc(N)(PNP)(L)] (0/+), exhibited the usual asymmetrical structure in which a Tc(triple bond)N group was surrounded by two different bidentate chelating ligands. Dianionic ligands gave rise to neutral complexes, while monoanionic ligands afforded monocationic species. Biodistribution studies were carried out in rats. An isolated perfused rat heart model was employed to assess how structural changes in the radiolabeled fatty acid compound affect the myocardial first pass extraction. Results showed that only monocationic complexes accumulated in myocardium to a significant extent. Conversely, neutral complexes were not efficiently retained into the heart region and rapidly washed out. In isolated perfused rat heart experiments, monocationic complexes exhibited a behavior similar to that of the monocationic flow tracers (99m)Tc-MIBI and (99m)Tc-DBODC with almost identical extraction values, a result that could be attributed to the presence of the monopositive charge. Instead, a slightly lower myocardial extraction was found for neutral complexes. Comparison of the observed kinetic behavior of neutral complexes in the isolated perfused rat heart model with that of the myocardial metabolic tracer [(123)I]IPPA revealed that the introduction of the metallic moiety partially hampers recognition of the labeled fatty acids by cardiac enzymes, and consequently, their behavior did not completely reflect myocardial metabolism.     

99mTc-labeled cyclic RGDfK dimer: initial evaluation for SPECT imaging of glioma integrin alphavbeta3 expression

This report describes the evaluation of biodistribution properties of three radiotracers, [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(EDDA)], [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(PDA)], and [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(TPPTS)] (SQ168 = [2-[[[5-[carboonyl]-2-pyridinyl]hydrazono]methyl]benzenesulfonic acid]-Glu(cyclo{Lys-Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe})-cyclo{Lys-Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe}; EDDA = ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid; PDA = 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid; TPPTS = trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3',3' '-trisulfonate), and their potential to image the glioma integrin alpha(v)beta(3) expression in BALB/c nude mice bearing the U87MG human glioma xenografts. It was found that all three radiotracers were able to localize in glioma tumors with a relatively high tumor uptake and long tumor retention time by binding to the integrin alpha(v)beta(3) expressed on both tumor cells and endothelial cells of tumor neovasculature. It seems that the coligand has minimal effect on integrin alpha(v)beta(3) targeting capability of the (99m)Tc-labeled RGDfK dimer, but it has a significant impact on their biodistribution properties. For example, the complex [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(TPPTS)] has the lowest liver uptake and the highest metabolic stability in normal BALB/c nude mice. Results from SPECT imaging studies show that the glioma tumors can be clearly visualized with all three radiotracers at 4 h postinjection. Among the three radiotracers evaluated in this study, [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(TPPTS)] has the best imaging quality and is a promising candidate for more preclinical evaluations in the future.     

Synthesis and bio-evaluation of a new fatty acid derivative for myocardial imaging

Development of a (99m)Tc-fatty acid analogue is of interest, as (99m)Tc is logistically advantageous over the cyclotron-produced (11)C and (123)I. Synthesis of a 16 carbon fatty acid derivative and its radiolabeling with the novel [(99m)TcN(PNP)](2+) core is described here. Hexadecanedioic acid was conjugated to cysteine in an overall yield of 55%. This ligand could be labeled with (99m)Tc via the [(99m)TcN(PNP)](2+) core, in 80% yield, as a mixture of two isomers (syn and anti). The major isomer isolated by HPLC was used for bioevaluation studies in swiss mice and compared with radioiodinated iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (IPPA), an established agent for myocardial metabolic imaging. (99m)Tc-labeled complex cleared faster from the non-target organs, namely, liver, lungs, and blood compared to that of [(125)I]-IPPA. However, the complex exhibited lower uptake and faster washout from the myocardium as compared to [(125)I]-IPPA.     

Asymmetrical nitrido tc-99m heterocomplexes as potential imaging agents for benzodiazepine receptors

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of nitrido technetium-99m complexes for imaging benzodiazepine receptors are described. The design was performed by selecting the precursor biologically active substrate desmethyldiazepam, and the reactive metal-containing fragment [(99m)Tc(N)(PXP)](2+) (PXP = diphosphine ligand) as molecular building-blocks for assembling the structure of the final radiopharmaceuticals through the application of the so-called 'bifunctional' and 'integrated' approaches. This required the synthesis of the ligands H(2)BZ1, H(2)C1, and H(2)C2 (Figures 1 and 2) derived from desmethyldiazepam. In turn, these ligands were reacted with [(99m)Tc(N)(PXP)](2+) to afford the complexes [(99m)Tc(N)(PXP)(L)] (L = BZ1, C1, C2). The chemical nature of the resulting Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals was investigated using chromatographic methods, and by comparison with the analogous complexes prepared with the long-lived isotope Tc-99g and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Results showed that the complexes [(99m)Tc(N)(PXP)(L)] are neutral and possess an asymmetrical five-coordinated structure in which two different bidentate ligands, PXP and L, are coordinated to the same Tc[triple bond]N core. With the ligand H(2)BZ1, two isomers were obtained depending on the syn or anti orientation of the pendant benzodiazepine group relative to the Tc[triple bond]N multiple bond. Biodistribution studies of Tc-99m complexes were carried out in rats, and affinity for benzodiazepine receptors was assessed through in vitro binding experiments on isolated rat's cerebral membranes using the corresponding Tc-99g complexes.     

RP463: a stabilized technetium-99m complex of a hydrazino nicotinamide derivatized chemotactic peptide for infection imaging.

A HYNIC-conjugated chemotactic peptide (fMLFK-HYNIC) was labeled with (99m)Tc using tricine and TPPTS as coligands. The combination of fMLFK-HYNIC, tricine, and TPPTS with (99m)Tc produced a ternary ligand complex [(99m)Tc(fMLFK-HYNIC)(tricine)(TPPTS)] (RP463). RP463 was synthesized either in two steps, in which the binary ligand complex [(99m)Tc(fMLFK-HYNIC)(tricine)(2)] (RP469) was formed first and then reacted with TPPTS, or in one step by direct reduction of [(99m)Tc]pertechnetate with stannous chloride in the presence of fMLFK-HYNIC, tricine, and TPPTS. The radiolabeling yield for RP463 was usually >/=90% using 10 microg of fMLFK-HYNIC and 100 mCi of [(99m)Tc]pertechnetate. Unlike RP469, which decomposed rapidly in the absence of excess tricine coligand, RP463 was stable in solution for at least 6 h. [(99)Tc]RP463 was prepared and characterized by HPLC and electrospray mass spectrometry. In an in vitro assay, [(99)Tc]RP463 showed an IC(50) of 2 nM against binding of [(3)H]fMLF to receptors on PMNs. [(99)Tc]RP463 also induces effectively the superoxide release of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with an EC(50) value of 0.2 +/- 0.2 nM. The localization of RP463 in the infection foci was assessed in a rabbit infection model. RP463 was cleared from the blood faster than RP469 and was excreted mainly through the renal system. As a result of rapid blood clearance and increased uptake, the target-to-background ratios continuously increased from 1.5 +/- 0.2 at 15 min postinjection to 7.5 +/- 0.4 at 4 h postinjection. Visualization of the infected area could be as early as 2 h. A transient decrease in white blood cell count of 35% was observed during the first 30 min after injection of the HPLC-purified RP463 in the infected rabbit. This suggests that future research in this area should focus on developing highly potent antagonists for chemotactic peptide receptor or other receptors on PMNs and monocytes.     

Synthesis of [(99m)Tc]DTPA-folate and its evaluation as a folate-receptor-targeted radiopharmaceutical

A DTPA-folate conjugate was radiolabeled with (99m)Tc by stannous chloride reduction of [(99m)Tc]sodium pertechnetate in an aqueous solution of DTPA-folate. The radiochemical purity of the product consistently exceeded 97%, as assessed by thin-layer chromatography employing conditions analogous to those for radiochemical quality control of the radiopharmaceutical [(99m)Tc]DTPA. HPLC demonstrated that the radiolabeled product resulted from the intact DTPA-folate conjugate and not unconjugated DTPA. The ability of [(99m)Tc]DTPA-folate to target folate receptors in vivo was assessed in biodistribution studies with athymic mice bearing subcutaneous folate-receptor-positive human KB cell tumors. As an internal control, previously studied [(111)In]DTPA-folate was coinjected with the [(99m)Tc]DTPA-folate, along with varying amounts of DTPA-folate (0.38 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, or 14 mg/kg). At each DTPA-folate dose, [(99m)Tc]DTPA-folate exhibited tumor uptake comparable to that of the coadministered [(111)In]DTPA-folate, with radiotracer levels declining at the higher DTPA-folate doses due to competitive receptor binding of the unlabeled conjugate. Tumor uptake of both tracers was also competitively blocked by preadministered folic acid dihydrate (2.9 mg/kg). Tumor-to-background tissue contrast obtained with [(99m)Tc]DTPA-folate was generally similar to that obtained with [(111)In]DTPA-folate. The (99m)Tc-labeled DTPA-folate conjugate may have utility as a targeted radiopharmaceutical for imaging neoplastic tissues known to overexpress the folate receptor.     

A novel ternary ligand system useful for preparation of cationic (99m)Tc-diazenido complexes and (99m)Tc-labeling of small biomolecules

This report describes a novel ternary ligand system composed of a phenylhydrazine, a crown ether-containing dithiocarbamate (DTC), and a PNP-type bisphosphine (PNP). The combination of three different ligands with (99m)Tc results in cationic (99m)Tc-diazenido complexes, [(99m)Tc(NNAr)(DTC)(PNP)]+, with potential radiopharmaceuticals for heart imaging. Synthesis of cationic (99m)Tc-diazenido complexes can be accomplished in two steps. For example, the reaction of phenylhydrazine with (99m)TcO4- at 100 degrees C in the presence of excess stannous chloride and 1,2-diaminopropane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (PDTA) results in the [(99m)Tc(NNPh)(PDTA)n] intermediate, which then reacts with sodium N-(dithiocarbamato)-2-aminomethyl-15-Crown-5 (L4) and N,N-bis[2-(bis(3-ethoxypropyl)phosphino)ethyl]ethoxyethylamine (PNP6) at 100 degrees C for 15 min to give the complex, [(99m)Tc(NNPh)(L4)(PNP6)]+ in high yield (>90%). Cationic complexes [(99m)Tc(NNPh)(DTC)(PNP)]+ are stable for > or = 6 h. Their composition was determined to be 1:1:1:1 for Tc:NNPh:DTC:PNP using the mixed-ligand experiments on the tracer ((99m)Tc) level and was further confirmed by the ESI-MS spectral data of a model compound [Re(NNPh)(L4)(L6)]+. It was found that both DTCs and bisphosphines have a significant impact on the lipophilicity of their cationic (99m)Tc-diazenido complexes. Results from a (99m)Tc-labeling efficiency experiment showed that 4-hydrazinobenzoic acid (HYBA) might be useful as a bifunctional coupling agent for (99m)Tc-labeling of small biomolecules. However, the (99m)Tc-labeling efficiency of HYBA is much lower than that of 6-hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC) with tricine and trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3',3'-trisulfonate (TPPTS) as coligands.     

Lignoceroyl-CoASH ligase: enzyme defect in fatty acid beta-oxidation system in X-linked childhood adrenoleukodystrophy

We have previously reported that the peroxisomal beta-oxidation system for very long chain fatty acids is defective in X-linked childhood adrenoleukodystrophy [(1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 4203-4207]. In order to elucidate the specific enzyme defect, we examined the oxidation of [1-14C]lignoceric acid, [1-14C]lignoceroyl-CoA and (1-14C)-labelled alpha,beta-unsaturated lignoceroyl-CoA (substrates for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd steps of the beta-oxidation cycle, respectively). These studies suggest that the pathognomonic accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in X-linked childhood ALD may be due to the defective activity of peroxisomal very long chain (lignoceroyl-CoA) acyl-CoA ligase.     

Necrosis avidity of (99m)Tc(CO)3-labeled pamoic acid derivatives: synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation in animal models of necrosis

In a search for an infarct avid tracer agent with improved properties, we have observed that bis-DTPA derivatives of pamoic acid have a high avidity for necrotic tissue. Here, we report the synthesis, radiolabeling, and preliminary evaluation in normal mice and rats with hepatic infarction of the (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl complexes of N, N'-bis(diethylenetriaminopentaacetato)-4,4'-methylene bis(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic hydrazide) ( (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate) and [ N-(5-aminopentyl)pyridin-2-yl-methylamino]methylacetato-4,4'-methylene-2-hydroxy-3-napthalenecarboxamide-(2'-hydroxy-3'-naphthoic acid methyl ester) ( (99m)Tc(CO) 3 -12). Radiolabeling with (99m)Tc(CO) 3 (+) was achieved with a radiochemical yield of over 95% for both tracer agents. In normal mice, the polar (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate was cleared from plasma via both the liver and the kidneys, while the more lipophilic (99m)Tc(CO) 3 -12 was rapidly cleared via the liver. Blood clearance in mice was faster for (99m)Tc(CO) 3 -12 (0.1% injected dose per gram at 4 h postinjection) than for (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate (9.3% injected dose per gram at 4 h postinjection). Affinity and specificity of the tracers for necrotic tissue was studied in rats with hepatic infarction and ethanol-induced necrosis of the liver or muscles. Activity ratios of infarct to viable liver tissue of (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate quantified by autoradiography of tissue slices ranged from 4 to 18, depending on the necrosis model and time postinjection of the tracer. Infarcts were also visualized in vivo by (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate planar gamma imaging. After injection of (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate, in vivo and ex vivo images correlated well with histochemical staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and hematoxylin and eosin. (99m)Tc(CO) 3 -12 on the other hand showed no uptake in necrotic tissue. Stability of the tracers was determined in vitro after storage at room temperature and by histidine challenge experiments, and in vivo in mouse plasma and in urine (for (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate). (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate was unstable in vitro to histidine challenge, while (99m)Tc(CO) 3 -12 was 98% stable in vitro in the same conditions. Both tracers showed good in vivo stability. (99m)Tc(CO) 3-bis-DTPA-pamoate shows high specificity for necrotic tissue and merits further evaluation as a necrosis avid imaging agent. (99m)Tc(CO) 3 -12 is not useful for visualization of necrotic tissue.     

Effect of coligands on biodistribution characteristics of ternary ligand 99mTc complexes of a HYNIC-conjugated cyclic RGDfK dimer

This report describes biodistribution characteristics of three ternary ligand complexes [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(L)] (SQ168 = [2-[[[5-[carboonyl]-2-pyridinyl]hydrazono]methyl]-benzenesulfonic acid]-Glu(cyclo{Lys-Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe})-cyclo{Lys-Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe}; L = TPPTS (trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3',3' '-trisulfonate), ISONIC (isonicotinic acid) and PDA (2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid)) in athymic nude mice bearing MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer xenografts. Ternary ligand complexes [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(L)] (L = TPPTS, ISONIC and PDA) were prepared and were analyzed by a reversed HPLC method. Surprisingly, coligands have little impact on log P values of their ternary ligand (99m)Tc complexes even though HPLC retention times suggest that [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(PDA)] and [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(ISONIC)] are more hydrophilic than [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(TPPTS)]. The results from biodistribution studies indicated that excretion kinetics of the (99m)Tc-labeled cyclic RGDfK dimer can be modified by the choice of coligand. The fact that all three radiotracers show high tumor uptake during the 2 h study period suggests that the coligand has minimal effect on the tumor targeting capability of the (99m)Tc-labeled cyclic RGDfK dimer. Results from the blocking experiment suggest that the tumor localization of the (99m)Tc-labeled cyclic RGDfK dimer is integrin alpha(v)beta(3)-mediated. On the basis of their liver uptake and tumor/liver ratios, we believe that PDA has the advantage over TPPTS and ISONIC for the (99m)Tc-labeling of HYNIC-biomolecule conjugates.     

8-cyclopentadienyltricarbonyl 99mtc 8-oxooctanoic acid: a novel radiotracer for evaluation of medium chain fatty acid metabolism in the liver

8-Cyclopentadienyltricarbonyl 99mTc 8-oxooctanoic acid (99mTc-CpTTOA; 1a) was synthesized for evaluation of medium chain fatty acid metabolism in the liver. 99mTc-CpTTOA was prepared in high radiochemical yield (50-63%) by a double ligand transfer reaction of methyl 8-ferrocenyl-8-oxooctanoate and Na99mTcO4 in the presence of CrCl3 and Cr(CO)6, followed by hydrolysis. This radiotracer was shown to be stable (>90% at 6 h) when incubated with human serum. Aqueous extraction of the radioactivity from the liver and blood samples of mice suggested that 99mTc-CpTTOA was mainly metabolized via beta-oxidation in the liver, and the radioactivity was retained longer in CCl4-treated mice than in control mice, possibly due to impaired beta-oxidation in the former. Planar images of rats injected with 99mTc-CpTTOA showed accumulation of the radioactivity in the liver, kidneys, and bladder with rapid hepatic clearance as a function of time. Analysis of the metabolites from the liver and urine samples of rats further supported that 99mTc-CpTTOA was metabolized to 4-cyclopentadienyltricarbonyl 99mTc 4-oxobutanoic acid (99mTc-CpTTBA; 1c) via beta-oxidation. The results suggested that this radiotracer might be of valuable use in the evaluation of fatty acid metabolism in the liver.     

Technetium-99m-labeled medium-chain fatty acid analogues metabolized by beta-oxidation: radiopharmaceutical for assessing liver function.

External imaging of energy production activity of living cells with 99mTc-labeled compounds is a challenging task requiring good design of 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals. On the basis of our recent findings that 11C- and 123I-labeled medium-chain fatty acids are useful for measuring beta-oxidation activity of hepatocytes, we focused on development of 99mTc-labeled medium-chain fatty acid analogues that reflect beta-oxidation activity of the liver. In the present study, monoamine-monoamide dithiol (MAMA) ligand and triamido thiol (MAG) ligand were chosen as chelating groups because of the stability and size of their complexes with 99mTc and their ease of synthesis. Each ligand was attached to the omega-position of hexanoic acid (MAMA-HA and MAG-HA, respectively). In biodistribution studies, [99mTc]MAMA-HA showed high initial accumulation in the liver followed by clearance of the radioactivity in the urine. Analysis of the urine revealed [99mTc]MAMA-BA as the sole radiometabolite. Furthermore, when [99mTc]MAMA-HA was incubated with living liver slices, generation of [99mTc]MAMA-BA was observed. However, [99mTc]MAMA-HA remained intact when the compound was incubated with liver slices in the presence of 2-bromooctanoate, an inhibitor of beta-oxidation. The findings in this study indicated that [99mTc]MAMA-HA was metabolized by beta-oxidation after incorporation into the liver. On the other hand, poor hepatic accumulation was observed after administration of [99mTc]MAG-HA.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel technetium-99m labeled phenylbenzoxazole derivatives as potential imaging probes for β-amyloid plaques in brain

Two uncharged (99m)Tc-labeled phenylbenzoxazole derivatives were biologically evaluated as potential imaging probes for β-amyloid plaques. The (99m)Tc and corresponding rhenium complexes were synthesized by coupling monoamine-monoamide dithiol (MAMA) and bis(aminoethanethiol) (BAT) chelating ligand via a pentyloxy spacer to phenylbenzoxazole. The fluorescent rhenium complexes 6 and 9 selectively stainined the β-amyloid plaques on the sections of transgenic mouse, and showed high affinity for Aβ((1-42)) aggregates (K(i)=11.1 nM and 14.3 nM, respectively). Autoradiography in vitro indicated that [(99m)Tc]6 clearly labeled β-amyloid plaques on the sections of transgenic mouse. Biodistribution experiments in normal mice revealed that [(99m)Tc]6 displayed moderate initial brain uptake (0.81% ID/g at 2 min), and quickly washed out from the brain (0.25% ID/g at 60 min). The preliminary results indicate that the properties of [(99m)Tc]6 are promising, although additional refinements are needed to improve the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.     

Peroxisomal beta-oxidation of branched chain fatty acids in human skin fibroblasts.

Human skin fibroblasts in suspension are able to degrade [1-14C]-labeled alpha- and gamma-methyl branched chain fatty acids such as pristanic and homophytanic acid. Pristanic acid was converted to propionyl-CoA, whereas homophytanic acid was beta-oxidized to acetyl-CoA. Incubation of skin fibroblasts with [1-14C]-labeled fatty acids for longer periods produced radiolabeled carbon dioxide, presumably by further degradation of acetyl-CoA or propionyl-CoA generated by beta-oxidation. Under the same conditions similar products were produced from very long chain fatty acids, such as lignoceric acid. Inclusion of digitonin (> 10 micrograms/ml) in the incubations strongly inhibited carbon dioxide production but stimulated acetyl-CoA or propionyl-CoA production from fatty acids. ATP, Mg2+, coenzyme A, NAD+ and L-carnitine stimulated acetyl-CoA or propionyl-CoA production from [1-14C]-labeled fatty acids in skin fibroblast suspensions. Branched chain fatty acid beta-oxidation was reduced in peroxisome-deficient cells (Zellweger syndrome and infantile Refsum's disease) but they were beta-oxidized normally in cells from patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Under the same conditions, lignoceric acid beta-oxidation was impaired in the above three peroxisomal disease states. These results provide evidence that branched chain fatty acid, as well as very long chain fatty acid, beta-oxidation occurs only in peroxisomes. As the defect in X-linked ALD is in a peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA synthetase, which is believed to be specific for very long chain fatty acids, we postulate that different synthetases are involved in the activation of branched chain and very long chain fatty acids in peroxisomes.     

99mTc-labeling of a hydrazinonicotinamide-conjugated vitronectin receptor antagonist useful for imaging tumors.

This report describes the (99m)Tc labeling of a HYNIC-conjugated vitronectin receptor antagonist (SQ168 = [2-[[[5-[carboonyl]-2-pyridinyl]hydrazono]methyl]benzenesulfonic acid]-Glu(cyclo[Lys-Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe])-cyclo[Lys-Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe]). The ternary ligand complex [(99m)Tc(SQ168)(tricine)(TPPTS)] (RP593) was prepared using a non-SnCl(2)-containing formulation. The corresponding (99)Tc analogue, [(99)Tc]RP593, was also prepared and characterized by HPLC and LC-MS. A HPLC concordance experiment using RP593 and [(99)Tc]RP593 showed that the same technetium complex was prepared at both the tracer and macroscopic levels. The LC-MS data is completely consistent with the 1:1:1:1 composition for Tc:SQ168:tricine:TPPTS and provides direct evidence that the two radiometric peaks in the radio-HPLC chromatogram of RP593 are indeed due to the resolution of diastereomers. In an in vitro receptor binding assay, [(99)Tc]RP593 was shown to have comparable binding affinity for the vitronectin receptor to that of SQ168 itself.     

"Click-to-chelate": in vitro and in vivo comparison of a 99mTc(CO)3-labeled N(tau)-histidine folate derivative with its isostructural, clicked 1,2,3-triazole analogue

A side-by-side comparison of the synthesis, radiolabeling, and in vitro and in vivo characterization of two new and isostructural (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl folic acid radiotracers comprising either a N(tau)-functionalized histidine (His) chelator or a 1,4-bifunctionalized 1,2,3-triazole His analogue is described. The 1,2,3-triazole-containing folic acid derivative was synthesized in approximately 80% yield by a short reaction sequence including application of click chemistry (the Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of azides and terminal alkynes). The synthesis of the ligand system and the functionalization of the folic acid derivative were accomplished simultaneously, which prompted us to call this approach "click-to-chelate". In comparison, the reported regioselective synthesis of the N(tau)-His compound provided the final product in only very low yields (<1%). While the efficiency of the syntheses differs considerably, the two isostructural folate derivatives exhibit virtually identical properties with respect to Tc-99m radiolabeling and in vitro and in vivo characteristics as shown by experiments performed with FR-positive KB cells and xenografted mice bearing folate receptor overexpressing tumors. We have demonstrated herein for the first time that a ligand system known to be an excellent chelator for the stable complexation of the organometallic core [M(CO)3] (+) (M = Tc-99m, Re) can be replaced by an isostructural 1,2,3-triazole analogue without influencing the characteristics of the radiometal conjugate. The "click-to-chelate" strategy provides a highly efficient and convenient entry to metal conjugates suitable for diagnostic and potentially therapeutic applications. The described procedures should be readily applicable to any azide-functionalized (bio)molecule and, thus, are likely to represent the method of choice for the future development of radiopharmaceuticals radiolabeled with the organometallic precursors [M(CO)3(H2O)3] (+) (M = (99m)Tc, (188)Re).     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new type of 99mtechnetium-labeled Fatty Acid for myocardial metabolism imaging

Technetium-labeled fatty acids intended for myocardial metabolism imaging and the respective rhenium model complexes were synthesized according to the "4 + 1" mixed-ligand approach and investigated in vitro and in vivo. The non-radioactive rhenium model complexes were characterized by NMR, IR, and EA, and the geometrical impact of the chelate unit on the integrity of the fatty acid head structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. To estimate the diagnostic value of the 99mTc-labeled fatty acids, the compounds were investigated in experiments in vitro and in biodistribution studies using male Wistar rats. The new fatty acid tracers contain the metal core in the oxidation states +3, well-wrapped in a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination moiety, which is attached at the omega-position of a fatty acid chain. This structural feature is considered to be a good imitation of the well-established iodinated phenyl fatty acids. High heart extraction in perfused heart studies (up to 26% injected dose (ID)) and noticeable heart uptake of the 99mTc tracers in vivo being in the order of 2% ID/g at 5 min (postinjection, pi.), accompanied by a good heart to blood ratio of 8, confirms that the new Tc compounds are suitable as fatty acid tracers.     

Adrenoleukodystrophy. The chain shortening of erucic acid (22:1(n-9)) and adrenic acid (22:4(n-6)) is deficient in neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy and normal in X-linked adrenoleukodistrophy skin fibroblasts

The metabolism of long chain unsaturated fatty acids was studied in cultured fibroblasts from patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and with neonatal ALD. By using [14-14C] erucic acid (22:1(n-9)) as substrate it was shown that the peroxisomal beta-oxidation, measured as chain shortening, was impaired in cells from patients with neonatal ALD. The beta-oxidation of adrenic acid (22:4(n-6)), measured as acid-soluble products, was also reduced in the neonatal ALD cells. The peroxisomal beta-oxidation of [14-14C]erucic acid (22:1(n-9)) and [2-14C]adrenic acid (22:4(n-6)) was normal in cells from X-ALD patients. The beta-oxidation, esterification and chain elongation of [1-14C]arachidonic acid (20:4(n-6)) and [1-14C]eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5(n-3)) was normal in both X-linked ALD and in neonatal ALD. Previous studies suggest that the activation of very long chain fatty acids by a lignoceryl (24:0)-CoA ligase is deficient in X-linked ALD, while the peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes are deficient in neonatal ALD. The present results suggest that the peroxisomal very long-chain acyl-CoA ligase is not required for activation of unsaturated C20 and C22 fatty acids and that these fatty acids can be efficiently activated by the long chain acyl-(palmityl)-CoA ligase.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-polyethylene glycol-folate: a new folate-derived, (99m)Tc-based radiopharmaceutical

(99m)Technetium-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-polyethylene glycol-folate (DTPA-PEG-folate) was synthesized and tested as a radiopharmaceutical agent, which targeted the lymphatic system with metastatic tumor. Folic acid was reacted with H2N-PEG-NH2 to yield H2N-PEG-folate. After purification by anion-exchange chromatography, the product was reacted with cyclic DTPA. By removal of unreacted DTPA by size-exclusion chromatography, DTPA-PEG-Folate was obtained. Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled DTPA-PEG-folate and DTPA-PEG-OCH3 were prepared via a dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-mediated coupling. In vitro competitive binding test showed that the uptake of [125I] folic acid was inhibited by DTPA-PEG-folate and the 50% inhibitory concentration was 4.37 pmol/L (R2 = 0.9922). The relative affinity of DTPA-PEG-FITC was 0.18 for human folate receptor comparing with folic acid. In cultured tumor cells, uptake of fluorescence-labeled DTPA-PEG-folate was found to increase significantly in folate-deficient medium compared with that of untargeted DTPA-PEG-OCH3 and FITC-ethylenediamine. The competition with free folic acid blocked the cell uptake of DTPA-PEG-folate. These results confirmed the DTPA-PEG-folate entered into KB cells through the folate receptor endocytosis pathway in vitro. The radiolabeled yield of [(99m)Tc] DTPA-PEG-folate was in excess of 98%, and specific activities of 7.4 kBq (0.2 microCi/microg) were achieved. After subcutaneous injection, [(99m)Tc] DTPA-PEG-folate exhibited an initial increase and successive decline of accumulation in popliteal nodes in normal Wistar rats. Expect for the kidney, uptake by other tissues was rather low. In a normal rabbit imagine study, the lymphatic vessels were readily visualized by single-photon-emission computed tomography following subcutaneous injection of [(99m)Tc] DTPA-PEG-folate. In conclusion, the [(99m)Tc] DTPA-PEG-folate conjugate may have a potential as a lymphatic tumor-targeted radiopharmaceutical.