Novel monoamine transporter ligands reduce cocaine-induced enhancement of brain stimulation reward.

Six novel monoamine reuptake inhibitors were screened for their intrinsic effects on brain stimulation reward (BSR), as well as for their potential to reduce cocaine-induced reward-enhancement in that paradigm. Two of the compounds, nocaine-3B and 5-ara-74A (disubstituted piperidines) significantly reduced locus of rise (LOR), threshold measure of reward, at some doses. One compound, 1-RV-96A (a hybrid of the GBR and WIN-like agents) significantly reduced reward (increased LOR), but only at the highest dose tested. No effect of dose was found for MC9-20 (a GBR-like acyclic analogue of the N-bisarylmethoxyethyl-N'-phenylpropyl piperazine), nocaine-250B or 4-ara-42C (disubstituted piperidines). When cocaine (10 mg/kg, ip) and selected, hedonically neutral doses of novel compounds were combined, the following findings were obtained: MC9-20 (2.5 mg/kg, ip) showed a significant increase in cocaine-induced reward enhancement (0.2 log units or 53%). In contrast, nocaine-250B and 1-RV-96A (both at 10 mg/kg, ip) demonstrated a significant reduction (0.13 log units or 41%) in cocaine-induced reward enhancement (P<.01 and P<.05, respectively), as measured by changes in LOR. There were no differences in the maximum behavioral output (MAX) at either dose of each of the six drugs, or when selected doses were combined with cocaine. These results indicate that nocaine-250B and 1-RV-96A constitute two potential anticocaine compounds worthy of further behavioral and biochemical evaluation.

Therapy of estrogen receptor-positive micrometastases in the peritoneal cavity with Auger electron-emitting estrogens--theoretical and practical considerations.

Previous studies have demonstrated that Auger electron-emitting estrogens, when associated with the estrogen receptor (ER), can effect breaks in DNA and ER-dependent radiotoxicity. To evaluate the potential of [123I]-iodoestrogens, ([123I]-IE) to treat ER-positive human cancer cells, we have studied the effect of incubation of [123I]-IE with ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells on cell survival in vitro and found that subnanomolar concentrations of [123I]-IE effectively reduce survival, with a mean lethal dose of about 800 decays per cell. MCF-7 cells incubated 30 min with 2 nM [123I]-IE (13 MBq/ml) showed a 2 log reduction in the ability to form tumors in immunodeficient mice. Evaluation of a mathematical model for [123I]-IE therapy for intraperitoneal micrometases in vivo in the mouse, based on variables related to the (a) specific activity of [123I]-IE; (b) its affinity for ER; (c) the characteristics of the uptake and retention of [123I]-IE by the target cells; (d) the concentration of ER in the tumor cells and (e) the tumor weight suggest that such therapy may be feasible.

Conformational studies on (17alpha,20Z)-21-(X-Phenyl)-19-norpregna-1, 3,5(10),20-tetraene-3,17beta-diols using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and GIAO calculations of (13)C shieldings.

Differences in agonist responses of the novel estrogen receptor ligands (17alpha,20Z)-(p-methoxyphenyl)vinyl estradiol (1), (17alpha, 20Z)-(o-alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoromethylphenyl)vinyl estradiol (2), and (17alpha,20Z)-(o-hydroxymethylphenyl)vinyl estradiol (3) led us to investigate their solution conformation. In competitive binding assay studies, we observed that several phenyl-substituted (17alpha, 20E/Z)-(X-phenyl)vinyl estradiols exhibited significant estrogen receptor binding, but with variation (RBA (1) = 20; RBA (2) = 23; RBA (3) = 140 where estradiol RBA = 100) depending on the phenyl substitution pattern. Because the 17alpha-phenylvinyl substituent interacts with the key helix-12 of the ligand binding domain, we considered that differences in the preferred conformation of 1-3 could account for their varying binding affinity. 2D NMR experiments at 500 MHz allowed the complete assignment of the (13)C and (1)H spectra of 1-3. The conformations of these compounds in solution were established by 2D and 1D NOESY spectroscopy. A statistical approach of evaluating contributing conformers of 1-3 from predicted (13)C shifts correlated quite well with the NOE data. The 17alpha substituents of 1 and 2 exist in similar conformational equilibria with some differences in relative populations of conformers. In contrast, the 17alpha substituent of 3 exists in a different conformational equilibrium. The similarity in solution conformations of 1 and 2 suggests they occupy a similar receptor volume, consistent with similar RBA values of 20 and 23. Conversely, the different conformational equilibria of 3 may contribute to the significant binding affinity (RBA = 140) of this ligand.

Novel in vivo electrophysiological assay for the effects of cocaine and putative "cocaine antagonists" on dopamine transporter activity of substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons.

The aim of these studies was to establish a rapid in vivo assay for evaluating potential "cocaine antagonists," i.e., drugs postulated to block cocaine binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT) without corresponding blockade of dopamine reuptake. The assay is based on the ability of dopamine, and drugs that elevate synaptic dopamine levels, to inhibit the extracellular single unit activities of midbrain dopamine neurons in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats. As expected, cocaine itself (0.06-16 mg/kg, i.v.) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of firing of both substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons, but had a significantly higher potency on VTA than nigral dopamine cells (ED(50)'s 1.2 and 8.8 mg/kg, respectively). VTA cells were also inhibited to a greater extent (to 4.7 +/- 4.5% vs. 41.3 +/- 6.3% of baseline rates at 16 mg/kg, respectively). We next evaluated GBR12909, a piperazine analog promoted as a "cocaine antagonist" because of its ability to bind with high affinity to the DAT, while only modestly elevating extracellular dopamine levels. The agonist- and antagonist-like properties of GBR12909 were evaluated on only VTA dopamine cells since these neurons were more fully inhibited by cocaine and have been implicated in its rewarding effects. Given alone, GBR12909 exhibited modest "cocaine-like" activity insofar as it partially inhibited VTA dopamine neurons (to 59.0 +/- 4.6% of baseline at 8 mg/kg). However, consistent with an antagonist profile, pretreatment with a low (0.5 mg/kg) dose of GBR12909, which depressed firing only slightly, resulted in a >2-fold rightward shift in the dose-response curve to cocaine (ED(50) 2.6 mg/kg). We conclude that electrophysiological testing of putative "anti-cocaine" drugs for their abilities to inhibit the firing of VTA dopamine neurons, and to block their inhibitory responses to cocaine, may provide a rapid in vivo screen for compounds expected to behave as functional cocaine antagonists in the dopamine reward system.

Synthesis of Auger electron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals.

Targeted radiotherapy using Auger electron-emitting pharmaceuticals offers both advantages and challenges compared to alternative alpha - or beta -emitting agents. The low energy Auger electrons deposit their energy within the target cell thereby minimizing collateral damage. To achieve this effect, however, the radiopharmaceutical must incorporate the appropriate radionuclide, be efficiently synthesized, and once administered, be distributed selectively to its biological target. This review covers the synthesis of agents which have prepared over the past decade either as Auger electron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals or which have the potential as such. While not an exhaustive review, the major classes of agents, such as hormone receptor ligands, nucleoside analogs and intercalating agents are described.

Novel 3-aminomethyl- and 4-aminopiperidine analogues of 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazines: synthesis and evaluation as dopamine transporter ligands.

We have undertaken a program to develop cocaine antagonists based on the premise that such compounds should block cocaine binding but permit reuptake of dopamine at the dopamine transporter (DAT). To evaluate the structural features of potential cocaine antagonists, 3-aminomethylpiperidine and 4-aminopiperidine moieties were incorporated at the central bridge region (piperazine ring) of GBR 12935. The compounds were assayed as inhibitors of [(125)I]RTI-55 binding at the DAT and monoamine transport. The results indicated that most of the new compounds preferentially inhibited norepinephrine reuptake by its transporter (NET) but in some cases retained binding selectivity for the DAT. In general, the binding selectivity and potency of [(3)H]NE reuptake inhibition were very sensitive to modifications of the central bridge diamine moiety (position of two basic nitrogen atoms). Compound 6 exhibited the highest ratio (14-fold) of DA reuptake inhibition to RTI-55 binding inhibition at the DAT; however, in an in vitro assay of cocaine antagonism, this compound failed to reduce inhibition of [(3)H]DA uptake by cocaine. These results demonstrated that separation of biological activities into the binding and reuptake inhibition can be achieved by alterations in the internal diamine component of GBR 12935, but additional modifications are necessary before these agents constitute lead compounds for development as cocaine antagonists.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel non-piperazine analogues of 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]- and 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazines as dopamine transporter inhibitors.

A series of novel diamine, amine-amide, and piperazinone analogues of N-[2-(bisarylmethoxy)ethyl]-N'-(phenylpropyl)piperazines, GBR 12909 and 12935, were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of presynaptic monoamine neurotransmitter transporters. The primary objective of the study was to determine the structural requirements for selectivity of ligand binding and potency for neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition. In general, the target compounds retained transporter affinity; however, structural variations produced significant effects on reuptake inhibition and transporter selectivity. For example, analogues prepared by replacing the piperazine ring in the GBR structure with an N, N'-dimethylpropyldiamine moiety displayed enhanced selectivity for binding and reuptake inhibition at the norepinephrine (NE) transporter site (e.g. 4 and 5). Congeners in which the amide nitrogen atom was attached to the aralkyl moiety of the GBR molecule showed moderate affinity (K(i) = 51-61 nM) and selectivity for the dopamine transporter (DAT) site. In contrast, introduction of a carbonyl group adjacent to either nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring (e.g. 25 and 27) was not well tolerated. From the compounds prepared, analogue 16 was selected for further evaluation. With this congener, locomotor activity induced by cocaine at a dose of 20 mg/kg was attenuated with an AD(50) (dose attenuating cocaine-induced stimulation by 50%) of 60.0 +/- 3.6 mg/kg.

Synthesis and estrogen receptor binding affinity of a porphyrin-estradiol conjugate for targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer.

A tetraphenylporphyrin-C11-beta-estradiol conjugate has been synthesized. Competitive binding assay of the conjugate with estrogen receptor (ER)-ligand-binding domain showed that the conjugate binds specifically to the protein with high affinity. Potential use of this conjugate to selectively deliver cytotoxic porphyrins to ER-positive cells in various carcinomas is discussed.

Novel biotinylated phenylarsonous acids as bifunctional reagents for spatially close thiols: studies on reduced antibodies and the agonist binding site of reduced Torpedo nicotinic receptors.

We synthesized three novel organoarsenicals as prototype bifunctional reagents for spatially close thiols, N-(4-arsenosophenyl) hexahydro-2-oxo-(3aS,4S,6aR)-1H-thieno[3, 4-d]imidazole-4-pentamide (1), 2-[4-[(4-arsenosophenyl)amino]-1, 4-dioxobutyl] hydrazide, (3aS,4S,6aR)-hexahydro-2-oxo- 1H-thieno[3, 4-d] imidazole-4-pentanoic acid (2), and [4-[[12-[[5-[(3aS,4S, 6aR)-hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno[3, 4-d]imidazol-4-yl]-1-oxopentyl]amino]-1-oxododecyl]amino]phe nyl]-arso nous acid (3) containing both biotin and arsenic with intervening varying length spacers extending from 2 to 15 A beyond biotin bound to streptavidin. Conceptually, the arsenical group can form a stable, covalent ring structure with appropriately spaced thiols and thereby anchor the reagent to a macromolecule, while biotin allows for the detection of the reagent-macromolecule complex via avidin binding. Because the alpha-subunits of all characterized nicotinic receptors contain an easily reducible disulfide bond between adjacent cysteine residues, the reduced alpha-subunit is an attractive site for labeling. Compounds 1-3 all simultaneously bound streptavidin and dithiols, and all three decreased the number of [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin-binding sites in reduced Torpedo nicotinic receptors (IC50s 10-300 nM). Moreover, arsenylation of the receptors prevented their reoxidation with dithio-bis(nitrobenzoic acid), was reversible with 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonic acid, and protected the receptor from irreversible alkylation by bromoacetylcholine. However, in no case did 1-3 allow simultaneous binding to reduced nicotinic receptors and to [125I]streptavidin, although 3 alone allowed simultaneous labeling of a spatially close dithiol located in reduced antibodies.

Radiotoxicity of Auger electron-emitting estrogens in MCF-7 spheroids: a potential treatment for estrogen receptor-positive tumors.

To approach treatment of micrometastases of steroid receptor-rich cancers using estrogen receptor-directed therapy with Auger electrons, multicellular spheroids of the estrogen receptor-rich human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, were prepared and exposed to a range of concentrations of an Auger electron-emitting estrogen, E-17alpha-[123I]-iodovinyl-11beta-methoxyestradiol, [123I]IVME2, in vitro. After washing, the treated spheroids were dissociated to single cells and plated for assay of colony survival, whereby we observed a dose-dependent reduction in survival that was inhibited by inclusion of an excess of unlabeled estradiol in the initial incubation with [123I]IVME2. Spheroids of a range of sizes from 40 to 280 microm showed similar sensitivity to the Auger electron-emitting estrogen. The mean lethal dose was approximately 700 decays per cell and corresponded to an initial [123I]IVME2 concentration of less than 0.5 nM. If the control and treated spheroids were not trypsinized but rather were allowed to grow intact, there was not only a significant reduction in the growth of the treated spheroids, but in 18 days nearly half became necrotic, while few control spheroids were necrotic. Considering the low concentrations of Auger electron-emitting estrogen required for a significant reduction in survival, we believe this approach has merit to pursue in vivo, especially in cases where it may be possible to target the steroid receptor-rich micrometastases directly, such as ovarian cancer.

Synthesis and evaluation of 11beta-substituted 21-chloro/iodo-(17alpha,20E/Z)-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10),20-te traene-3, 17beta-diols: high-affinity ligands for the estrogen receptor.

We have synthesized six new estrogens substituted at the 11beta-position with a methoxy or vinyl group and at the 17alpha-position with an (E)- or (Z)-chloro/iodovinyl moiety. The products were obtained in good overall yields from the corresponding tri-n-butylstannylvinyl intermediates using the electrophilic halodestannylation methodology. The six new ligands were compared to the 11beta-unsubstituted chloro/iodovinyl derivatives and the 11beta-methoxy (E)- and (Z)-iodovinyl estrogens to evaluate the effects of 11beta-substitution and 20E/Z-stereochemistry. While all the compounds exhibited high affinity for the estrogen receptor, the 20Z-isomers demonstrated higher affinity than the corresponding 20E-isomers. In addition, the presence of the lipophilic 11beta-substituent was favored over either no substituent or a polar (methoxy) group. Within each isomeric series, the presence of the 21-halo substituent had different effects. For the 20E-series, the 21-chloro products had a higher affinity than the 21-iodo analogue, whereas for the 20Z-series the effect was reversed. These results provide additional insights into the interaction of substituted estradiols with the hormone binding domain of the estrogen receptor.

Novel high-affinity steroidal estrogenic ligands: synthesis and receptor binding of 11 beta-vinyl-17 alpha-E/Z-phenylselenovinyl estradiols.

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated separately the tolerance of the estrogen receptor for the 17 alpha-phenylselenovinyl substituent and the enhancement of affinity imparted by the 11 beta-vinyl moiety. Our recent publication suggested that the two groups could be combined within a single structure and retain high affinity for the estrogen receptor. As a result, we have prepared in good overall yields the E- and Z-isomers of 11 beta-vinyl-17 alpha-phenylselenovinyl estradiol. Evaluation of the new steroids with receptor isolated from lamb cytosol indicated that both isomers are poorer ligands than estradiol at 4 degrees C, but both are better than estradiols. at 25 degrees C. This behavior had not been observed for the 11 beta-unsubstituted 17 alpha-E/Z phenylselenovinyl estradiols. Of particular interest was the observation that, unlike previous isomer pairs, the E-isomer possessed a greater affinity than the Z-isomer. The results suggest that relatively small changes in structure may impart significant differences in the interactions with the receptor and provide the basis for further ligand design.

Rapid detection of Parkinson's disease by SPECT with altropane: a selective ligand for dopamine transporters.

Increasing evidence indicates that dopamine (DA) transporter density declines in Parkinson's disease (PD). 2Beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl)-n-(1-iodoprop-1-en -3-yl) nortropane (IACFT, Altropane) is a cocaine analog with high affinity and selectivity for dopamine transporter (DAT) sites in the striatum. In this study, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with [123I]altropane was used to measure DAT density in seven healthy volunteers (five males, age 37-75, and two females, ages 26 and 39) and eight male patients with Parkinson's disease (age 14-79, Hoehn and Yahr stage: 1.5-3 (n = 5) and 4-5 (n = 3)). Dynamic SPECT images and arterial blood samples were acquired over 1.5-2 hr and plasma radioactivity was analyzed chromatographically to obtain metabolite corrected arterial input functions. Binding potential (BP, B'max/KD) for striatal (Str) DAT sites was calculated by two methods using occipital cortex (Occ) as a reference. In the first method, tissue time-activity curves (TAC) and metabolite corrected arterial input functions were analyzed by a linear graphical method developed for reversible receptor ligands. In the second method, the expression (Str(TAC) - Occ(TAC)) was fitted to a gamma variate function and the maximum divided by Occ(TAC) at the same time was used to estimate BP. In five of the PD patients, the SPECT data were compared with the results of PET with [18F] 6-fluoro DOPA (FD-PET). Plasma analysis indicated that [123I]altropane is rapidly converted to polar metabolites. SPECT images in healthy volunteers showed that [123I] altropane accumulated rapidly and selectively in the striatum and yielded excellent quality images within 1 h after injection. Both methods of analysis revealed a 7.6%/decade reduction in BP and average striatal values (corrected to age 25) were 1.83 +/- 0.22 and 2.09 +/- 0.20 by methods 1 and 2. In all the PD patients, striatal accumulation was markedly reduced and the pattern of loss was similar to that reported for DA; most profound in the posterior putamen with relative sparing of the caudate nuclei. A comparable pattern was observed with FD-PET. For total striatum, age-corrected BP was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced; 0.83 +/- 0.06 (method 1), 0.84 +/- 0.07 (method 2). BPs measured by the two methods were remarkably similar and highly correlated r2 = 0.88, (P < 0.001). These results indicate that [123I]altropane is an excellent SPECT ligand for imaging the DAT/DA neurons in human brain. The high selectivity and rapid striatal accumulation of the ligand allows for accurate quantitation of DAT sites in less than 2 hr. The results further demonstrate that [123I]altropane is an effective marker for PD.

Uptake and interconversion of the Z and E isomers of 17 alpha-iodovinyl-11 beta-methoxyestradiol in the immature female rat.

This study compares the specific uptake and retention of the Z and E isomers of 17 alpha-iodovinyl-11 beta-methoxyestradiol (IVME2) in estrogen target tissues in immature female rats following intraperitoneal injection. Estrogen receptor binding studies in vitro showed that the Z-IVME2 had greater affinity than the E-IVME2, but our initial in vivo data, comparing 125I-labeled E- or Z-IVME2 in separate studies showed no difference between the two isomers in either uptake or retention. These results were confirmed when the two isomers, labeled either with 123I or 125I, were injected simultaneously, allowing direct comparison of uptake and retention patterns in the same animal. Analysis of the nature of the radioiodinated estrogens in estrogen target tissues showed that at all time points, the estrogen target tissues contained mainly the E isomer, even at short times after injection of Z isomer. Although the Z-IVME2 was reasonably stable in the injectant, analysis of a peritoneal lavage soon after intraperitoneal injection of Z-[125I]-IVME2 showed that mainly the E isomer was present, suggesting that the conversion occurred prior to uptake by the tissues. In vitro studies with intraperitoneal fluid and serum showed that denaturing by heating at 65 degrees C substantially reduced their ability to affect the conversion of Z to E isomer, suggesting a possible enzymatic conversion.

SPECT imaging of dopamine transporter sites in normal and MPTP-Treated rhesus monkeys.

UNLABELLED: Parkinson's disease is characterized by degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons and their terminals. Since these neurons contain dopamine transporters (DAT), radioligands that bind to these sites are promising radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of disease progression. We evaluated [123I]-2 beta-carbomethoxy- 3 beta-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(1-iodoprop-1-en-3-yl)nortropane ([123I]IACFT) for SPECT imaging in an MPTP model of parkinsonism. METHODS: Three rhesus monkeys were imaged before and at 1 and 2 mo after treatment with MPTP. The SPECT results were correlated with motor behavior and PET imaging with [11C]-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-aryltropane ([11C]-CFT). Also, biodistribution was measured by planar imaging. RESULTS: In normal animals, striatal accumulation of radioactivity was rapid and peaked within 30 min. Striatal accumulation of [123I]IACFT was nearly completely displaceable with unlabeled CFT (1 mg/kg) but was not affected by a similar dose of the serotonin (5-HT) transport inhibitor, citalopram. The striatal to cerebellar ratio measured at 30 min, after injection of [123I]IACFT was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than with [11C]CFT; approximately 6; 1 versus approximately 2.5; 1. After MPTP treatment this ratio decreased to 1.02:1 with IACFT and 1.23:1 with [11C]CFT. Blood clearance of [123I]IACFT was rapid with a terminal t1/2 of approximately 30 min. HPLC of plasma samples demonstrated that the concentration of intact ligand decreases rapidly, approaching zero by 60 min. Low levels of accumulation were measured in extracranial tissues. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that [123I]IACFT is an excellent SPECT ligand for dopamine transporter sites that combines the critical characteristics of: (a) high striatal to cerebellar ratios, (b) high selectivity for dopamine versus 5-HT transporter sites, (c) convenient preparation at high-specific activity and radiochemical purity and (d) a striatal localization rate that is well matched to the physical t1/2 of 123I.

Stereochemical probes for the estrogen receptor: synthesis and receptor binding of (17 alpha,20E/Z)-21-phenyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10), 20-tetraene-3,17 beta-diols.

Previous studies from our laboratory using 17 alpha-E- and 17 alpha-Z-halovinyl and phenylthiovinyl estradiols demonstrated a marked preference for the Z stereochemistry and a significant steric tolerance for the Z-vinyl substituent. To further explore the extent of that stereochemical preference and steric tolerance we have prepared stereoselectively the 17 alpha-E- and 17 alpha-Z-phenylvinyl estradiols (E- and Z-styrylestradiols). The results, in addition to demonstrating a facile preparation of the target compounds, supported the previously observed stereochemical and steric effects. The relative binding affinities for the Z isomer were 3-4 fold greater than the E isomer at both 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C, and only one-half to one-fourth those of estradiol under similar conditions. The developing model for ligand-accessible space within the estrogen receptor suggests that Z-phenylvinyl estradiols may provide interesting and useful probes for mapping the receptor.

Radioiododestannylation: preparation of radioiodinated vinyl alcohols and selected evaluation in rats.

Radioiododestannylation has been employed to prepare a series of radioiodinated vinyl alcohols, two of which were evaluated for their tissue distribution in rats. The radioiodination method utilized tri-alkylstannylvinyl intermediates that can be prepared in good yields from 1,2-bis(tributylstannyl) ethylene and the appropriate ketones or by hydrostannation of the corresponding ethynyl alcohols. The radiolabeling proceeded at the no-carrier-added level to give, after HPLC separation, the desired products in 85-95% isolated yields. Tissue distribution studies in the rat indicated that the agents were rapidly extracted by the brain and then quickly cleared. No retention of activity was observed in the nonmetabolizing or nonexcretory organs. Chemically, the use of the E-tributylstannylvinyl lithium followed by radioiodination controlled stereochemistry and eliminated the separation of E- and Z-iodovinyl isomers. Biologically, the compounds behaved as neutral, diffusible and nonmetabolized radiotracers that may be used for the evaluation of cerebral blood flow, potentially with the short-lived radionuclide I-122 or other short-lived radiohalogens.

Preparation and biological evaluation of iodine-125-IACFT: a selective SPECT agent for imaging dopamine transporter sites.

UNLABELLED: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with the loss of nerve terminals from specific brain areas, particularly in the caudate and putamen, which contains the highest concentrations of dopamine transporter sites. Previously, we synthesized and evaluated a series of 11C-labeled 2 beta-carbomethoxy -3 beta-aryltropane (WIN 35,428; CFT) derivatives as markers for the dopamine transporter system. These ligands have high affinity and specificity for dopamine transporter sites in vitro and in vivo in laboratory animals. The goal of this study was the preparation and preliminary biological characterization of two new ligands based on the structure of WIN 35,428, the E and Z isomers of N-iodoallyl-2 beta -carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane (E and A IACFT). METHODS: E and Z IACFT were synthesized and radiolabeled with 125I. The ligands were characterized by in vitro assays of binding to dopamine and serotonin transporters and by autoradiography. RESULTS: Iodine-125-IACFT was prepared in > 60% radiochemical yield, and > 98% radiochemical purity. Specific activity was 1500 Ci/mmole. In vitro, E-IACFT showed higher affinity for dopamine transporter sites than WIN 35,428 (6.6 versus 11 nM) and better selectivity than RTI-55. The Z isomer was found to have much lower affinity. One hour after an intravenous injection of 125I IACFT in monkeys, ex vivo autoradiographs of the brain revealed high concentrations of tracer in dopamine rich regions such as the caudateputamen. The striatum-to-cerebellum, striatum-to-cortex and striatum-to-thalamus ratios were 10.8, 7.2 and 8.3. CONCLUSION: These result suggest that radiolabeled E-IACFT may be a useful radioligand for SPECT imaging of dopamine transporter sites. IACFT could prove to be extremely useful for the noninvasive evaluation of patients with early Parkinson's disease.

Synthesis and estrogen receptor binding of (17 alpha, 20E)- and (17 alpha, 20Z)-21-phenylthio- and 21-phenylseleno-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10),20-tetraene-3,17 beta-diols.

Previous studies from our laboratory using 17 alpha-E- and 17 alpha-Z-halovinyl estradiols demonstrated a marked enhancement of receptor binding by the Z-isomers. This suggested tolerance at the 17 alpha-position was not previously observed by investigations using 16 alpha and 17 alpha-substituted estradiols. Because of the synthetic access provided by vinyl tin chemistry, we prepared the 17 alpha-E and Z-phenylthiovinyl and phenylselenovinyl estradiols and compared their binding characteristics to those of the previously reported 16 alpha/17 alpha-phenylseleno and methylseleno estradiols. The results, in addition to demonstrating a facile preparation of the target compounds, indicated that significant receptor affinity was retained by these compounds (relative binding affinity = 24.5-117). The highest affinity was demonstrated by the 17 alpha-Z-phenylthiovinyl estradiol 5a, which, by molecular modeling, exhibited a significantly different molecular conformation from the corresponding 17 alpha-E-phenylthiovinyl isomer or the 17 alpha-phenyl-thioethynyl analog. The current series possessed better binding characteristics than the phenylseleno and methylseleno estradiols but somewhat poorer binding than the 17 alpha-E/Z-halovinyl series. The observations suggest that some steric limitations exist in a portion of the 17 alpha-region, and that the region is better accessed by compounds possessing Z-vinyl stereochemistry.

The use of pentafluorophenyl derivatives for the 18F labelling of proteins.

A simple, one-step method for the radiolabelling of proteins with 18F is described. A series of pentafluorophenyl derivatives were synthesized and tested for 18F exchange using tetrabutylammonium-[18F]fluoride in DMSO, with microwave heating. A number of the compounds examined incorporated 18F quickly and in high yield. Two compounds, pentafluorobenzaldehyde and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylpentafluorobenzoate, were used to label HSA in good yield. The methods produce low specific activity labelled proteins, but are fast. The yields are reasonable and the reagents do not require a separate modification or activation step for protein labelling.