Synthesis of a ß-CCT-lanthanide conjugate for binding the dopamine transporter.

The development of a ß-CCT-lanthanide conjugate that binds the dopamine transporter (DAT) with high affinity (K(d) = 303 nM) is described. Contrast agents such as the one described herein could be used as molecular probes to directly study the binding of small molecules to receptors such as DAT via MRI, PET or SPECT.