68 Ga-Labelled Tropane Analogues for the Visualization of the Dopaminergic System.

The development of radiometal-labelled pharmaceuticals for neuroimaging could offer great potential due to easier handling during labelling and availability through radionuclide generator systems. Nonetheless, to date, no such tracers are available for positron emission tomography, primarily owing to the challenge of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and loss of affinity through chelator attachment. We have prepared a variety of 68 Ga-labelled phenyltropanes showing that, through a simple hydrocarbon-linker, it is possible to introduce a chelator onto the lead structure while maintaining its high affinity for hDAT (human dopamine transporter) and simultaneously achieving adequate lipophilicity. One of the candidates, [68 Ga]Ga-HBED-hexadiyne-tropane, showed an IC50 value of 66 nM, together with a log D7.4 of 0.96. A µPET study in a hemi-parkinsonian rat model showed a fast wash-out of the tracer, and no specific uptake in the brain, thus implying an inability to penetrate the BBB.

On the consensus nomenclature rules for radiopharmaceutical chemistry - Reconsideration of radiochemical conversion.

Radiochemical conversion is an important term to be included in the "Consensus nomenclature rules for radiopharmaceutical chemistry". Radiochemical conversion should be used to define reaction efficiency by measuring the transformation of components in a crude reaction mixture at a given time, whereas radiochemical yield is better suited to define the efficiency of an entire reaction process including, for example, separation, isolation, filtration, and formulation.

Image quality analysis of 44Sc on two preclinical PET scanners: a comparison to 68Ga.

BACKGROUND: 44Sc has been increasingly investigated as a potential alternative to 68Ga in the development of tracers for positron emission tomography (PET). The lower mean positron energy of 44Sc (0.63 MeV) compared to 68Ga (0.83 MeV) can result in better spatial image resolutions. However, high-energy γ-rays (1157 keV) are emitted at high rates (99.9%) during 44Sc decay, which can reduce image quality. Therefore, we investigated the impact of these physical properties and performed an unbiased performance evaluation of 44Sc and 68Ga with different imaging phantoms (image quality phantom, Derenzo phantom, and three-rod phantom) on two preclinical PET scanners (Mediso nanoScan PET/MRI, Siemens microPET Focus 120). RESULTS: Despite the presence of high-energy γ-rays in 44Sc decay, a higher image resolution of small structures was observed with 44Sc when compared to 68Ga. Structures as small as 1.3 mm using the Mediso system, and as small as 1.0 mm using the Siemens system, could be visualized and analyzed by calculating full width at half maximum. Full widths at half maxima were similar for both isotopes. For image quality comparison, we calculated recovery coefficients in 1-5 mm rods and spillover ratios in either air, water, or bone-equivalent material (Teflon). Recovery coefficients for 44Sc were significantly higher than those for 68Ga. Despite the lower positron energy, 44Sc-derived spillover ratio (SOR) values were similar or slightly higher to 68Ga-derived SOR values. This may be attributed to the higher background caused by the additional γ-rays. On the Siemens system, an overestimation of scatter correction in the central part of the phantom was observed causing a virtual disappearance of spillover inside the three-rod phantom. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, 44Sc appears to be a suitable alternative to 68Ga. The superior image resolution makes it an especially strong competitor in preclinical settings. The additional γ-emissions have a small impact on the imaging resolution but cause higher background noises and can effect an overestimation of scatter correction, depending on the PET system and phantom.

Gallium-68 and scandium-44 labelled radiotracers based on curcumin structure linked to bifunctional chelators: Synthesis and characterization of potential PET radiotracers.

Curcumin metal complexes showed widespread applications in medicine and can be exploited as a lead structure for developing new tracers for nuclear medicine application. Herein, the synthesis, chemical characterization and radiolabelling with gallium-68 and scandium-44 of two new targeting vectors based on curcumin scaffolds and linked to the chelators 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA) and 1,4-bis(carboxymethyl)-6-[bis(carboxymethyl)]amino-6-methylperhydro-1,4-diazepine (AAZTA) are reported. Synthesis of the precursors could be achieved with a 13% and 11% yield and radiolabelling generally afforded rapid incorporation under mild conditions (>95%). Stability in physiological media (~75% after 2 h in human blood for [68Ga]Ga-/[44Sc]Sc-AAZTA-PC21 and ~60% for [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-C21, respectively) are generally enhanced if compared to the previously radiolabelled analogues. MSn fragmentation experiments showed high stability of the AAZTA-PC21 structure mainly due to the pyrazole derivatization of the curcumin keto-enol moiety and a more feasible radiolabelling was noticed both with gallium-68 and scandium-44 mainly due to the AAZTA-chelator properties. [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-C21 showed the most favorable lipophilicity value (logD = 1.3). Due to these findings, both compounds appear to be promising candidates for the imaging of colorectal cancer, but further studies such as in vitro uptake and in vivo biodistribution experiments are needed.

Structure-Function Evaluation of Imidazopyridine Derivatives Selective for δ-Subunit-Containing γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A (GABAA) Receptors.

δ-Selective compounds 1 and 2 (DS1, compound 22; DS2, compound 16) were introduced as functionally selective modulators of δ-containing GABA type A receptors (GABAAR). In our hands, [3H]EBOB-binding experiments with recombinant GABAAR and compound 22 showed no proof of δ-selectivity, although there was a minimally higher preference for the α4ß3δ and α6ß2/3δ receptors with respect to potency. In order to delineate the structural determinants of δ preferences, we synthesized 25 derivatives of DS1 and DS2, and investigated their structure-activity relationships (SAR). Four of our derivatives showed selectivity for α6ß3δ receptors (29, 38, 39, and 41). For all of them, the major factors that distinguished them from compound 22 were variations at the para-positions of their benzamide groups. However, two compounds (29 and 39), when tested in the presence of GABA, revealed effects at several additional GABAAR. The newly synthesized compounds will still serve as useful tools to investigate α6ß3δ receptors.

MAOA-VNTR polymorphism modulates context-dependent dopamine release and aggressive behavior in males.

A recent [(18)F]FDOPA-PET study reports negative correlations between dopamine synthesis rates and aggressive behavior. Since dopamine is among the substrates for monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), this investigation examines whether functional allelic variants of the MAOA tandem repeat (VNTR) promotor polymorphism, which is known to modulate aggressive behavior, influences dopamine release and aggression in response to violent visual stimuli. We selected from a genetic prescreening sample, strictly case-matched groups of 2×12 healthy male subjects with VNTRs predictive of high (MAOA-High) and low (MAOA-Low) MAOA expression. Subjects underwent pairs of PET sessions (dopamine D2/3 ligand [(18)F]DMFP) while viewing a movie of neutral content, versus violent content. Directly afterwards, aggressive behavior was assessed by the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP). Finally, PET data of 23 participants and behavioral data of 22 participants were analyzed due to post hoc exclusion criteria. In the genetic prescreening sample MAOA-Low carriers had significantly increased scores on the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. In the PET-study-group, aggressive behavior under the emotional neutral condition was significantly higher in the MAOA-Low group. Interestingly, the two MAOA-groups showed inverse dopaminergic and behavioral reactions to the violent movie: The MAOA-High group showed higher dopamine release and increased aggression after the violent movie; MAOA-Low subjects showed decreases in aggressive behavior and no consistent dopamine release. These results indicate a possible impact of the MAOA-promotor polymorphism on the neurobiological modulation of aggressive behavior. However, the data do not support approaches stating that MAOA-Low fosters aggression by a simple pro-dopaminergic mechanism.

Selective binding to monoamine oxidase A: in vitro and in vivo evaluation of (18)F-labeled ß-carboline derivatives.

In this study we synthesized four different (18)F-labeling precursors for the visualization of the monoamino oxidase A using harmol derivatives. Whereas two are for prosthetic group labeling using [(18)F]fluoro-d2-methyl tosylate and 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl-tosylate, the other three precursors are for direct nucleophilic (18)F-labeling. Additionally the corresponding reference compounds were synthesized. The syntheses of [(18)F]fluoro-d2-methyl-harmol and 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl-harmol were carried out using harmol as starting material. For direct nucleophilic (18)F-labeling of the tracers carrying oligoethyled spacers (PEG), a toluenesulfonyl leaving group was employed. The radiolabeling, purification and formulation for each tracer was optimized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Stability tests in human serum showed that all tracers were stable over the observation period of 60 min. µPET studies using of the synthesized tracers revealed that the tracers carrying PEG spacers showed no sufficient brain uptake. Consequently, the (18)F-fuoro alkylated tracers [(18)F]fluoro-d2-methyl-harmol and 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl-harmol were further evaluated showing SUVs in the brain of 1.0±0.2 g/mL and 3.4±0.5 g/mL after 45 min, respectively. In blockade studies the selectivity and specificity of both tracers were demonstrated. However, for [(18)F]fluoro-d2-methyl-harmol a rapid washout from the brain was also observed. In vitro binding assays revealed that 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl-harmol (IC50=0.54±0.06 nM) has a higher affinity than the (18)F-fluoro-d2-methylated ligand (IC50=12.2±0.6 nM), making 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl-harmol superior to the other evaluated compounds and a promising tracer for PET imaging of the MAO A.

Positron emission tomography in CNS drug discovery and drug monitoring.

Molecular imaging methods such as positron emission tomography (PET) are increasingly involved in the development of new drugs. Using radioactive tracers as imaging probes, PET allows the determination of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a drug candidate, via recording target engagement, the pattern of distribution, and metabolism. Because of the noninvasive nature and quantitative end point obtainable by molecular imaging, it seems inherently suited for the examination of a pharmaceutical's behavior in the brain. Molecular imaging, most especially PET, can therefore be a valuable tool in CNS drug research. In this Perspective, we present the basic principles of PET, the importance of appropriate tracer selection, the impact of improved radiopharmaceutical chemistry in radiotracer development, and the different roles that PET can fulfill in CNS drug research.

In vitro and in vivo structure-property relationship of (68)Ga-labeled Schiff base derivatives for functional myocardial pet imaging.

PURPOSE: SPECT (e.g., with (99m)Tc-sestamibi) is routinely used for imaging myocardial damage, even though PET could offer a higher spatial resolution. Using the generator-gained isotope (68)Ga would allow a rapid supply of the tracer in the diagnostic unit. For this reason, the aim of the study was to develop (68)Ga-labeled PET tracers based on different Schiff base amines and to evaluate the cardiomyocyte uptake in vitro as well as the biodistribution of the tracers in vivo. PROCEDURES: Fifteen different Schiff bases (basing on 3 different backbones) were synthesized and labeled with (68)Ga. Lipophilicity varied between 0.87 ± 0.24 and 2.72 ± 0.14 (logD value). All tracers were positively charged and stable in plasma and apo-transferrin solution. In vitro uptake into cardiomyocytes was assessed in HL-1 cells in the absence and presence of the ionophor valinomycin. In vivo accumulation in the heart and in various organs was assessed by small animal PET imaging as well as by ex vivo biodistribution. The results were compared with (99m)Tc-sestamibi and (18)F-flurpiridaz. RESULTS: All cationic Schiff bases were taken up into cardiomyocytes but the amount varied by a factor of 10. When destroying the membrane potential, the cellular uptake was markedly reduced in most of the tracers, indicating the applicability of these tracers for identifying ischemic myocardium. PET imaging revealed that the in vivo myocardial uptake reached a constant value approximately 10 min after injection but the intracardial amount of the tracer varied profoundly (SUV 0.46 to 3.35). The most suitable tracers showed a myocardial uptake which was comparable to that of (99m)Tc-sestamibi. CONCLUSIONS: (68)Ga-based Schiff bases appear suitable for myocardial PET images with uptake comparable to (99m)Tc-sestamibi but offering higher spatial resolution. By systematical variation of the backbone and the side chains, tracers with optimal properties can be identified for further clinical evaluation.

Evaluation of P-glycoprotein (abcb1a/b) modulation of [(18)F]fallypride in MicroPET imaging studies.

[(18)F]Fallypride ([(18)F]FP) is an important and routinely used D2/D3 antagonist for quantitative imaging of dopaminergic neurotransmission in vivo. Recently it was shown that the brain uptake of the structurally related [(11)C]raclopride is modulated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an important efflux transporter at the blood-brain barrier. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the brain uptake of [(18)F]FP is influenced by P-gp. For examination of this possible modulation microPET studies were performed in a rat and a mouse model. Hence, [(18)F]FP was applied to Sprague Dawley rats, half of them being treated with the P-gp inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA). In a second experimental series the tracer was applied to three different groups of FVB/N mice: wild type, P-gp double knockout (abcb1a/1b (-/-)) and CsA-treated mice. In CsA-treated Sprague Dawley rats [(18)F]FP showed an elevated standard uptake value in the striatum compared to the control animals. In FVB/N mice a similar effect was observed, showing an increasing uptake from wild type to CsA-treated and double knockout mice. Since genetically or pharmacologically induced reduction of P-gp activity increased the uptake of [(18)F]FP markedly, we conclude that [(18)F]FP is indeed a substrate of P-gp and that the efflux pump modulates its brain uptake. This effect - if true for humans - may have particular impact on clinical studies using [(18)F]FP for assessment of D2/3 receptor occupancy by antipsychotic drugs. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Neuroimaging in Neuropharmacology'.

Two-step radiosynthesis of 18)F]FE-ß-CIT and [18F]PR04.MZ.

The cocaine-derived dopamine reuptake inhibitors FE-ß-CIT (8-(2-fluoroethyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester) (1) and PR04.MZ(8-(4-fluorobut-2-ynyl)-3-p-tolyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester) (2) were labelled with (18)F-fluorine using a two-step route. 2-[(18)F]Fluoroethyltosylate and 4-[(18)F]fluorobut-2-yne-1-yl tosylate were used as labelling reagents, respectively. Radiochemically pure (>98%) [(18)F]FE-ß-CIT and [(18)F]PRD04.MZ (32-86 GBq/µmol) were obtained after a synthesis time of 100 min in about 25% non-decay-corrected overall yield.

Automated synthesis and purification of [18F]fluoro-[di-deutero]methyl tosylate.

Automated synthetic procedures of [(18)F]fluoro-[di-deutero]methyl tosylate on a GE TRACERlab FX F-N module and a non-commercial synthesis module have been developed. The syntheses included azeotropic drying of the [(18)F]fluoride, nucleophilic (18)F-fluorination of bis(tosyloxy)-[di-deutero]methane, HPLC purification and subsequent formulation of the synthesized [(18)F]fluoro-[di-deutero]methyl tosylate (d2-[(18)F]FMT) in organic solvents. Automation shortened the total synthesis time to 50 min, resulting in an average radiochemical yield of about 50% and high radiochemical purity (>98%). The possible application of this procedure to commercially available synthesis modules might be of significance for the production of deuterated (18)F-fluoromethylated imaging probes in the future.

Measurement of protein synthesis: in vitro comparison of (68)Ga-DOTA-puromycin, [ (3)H]tyrosine, and 2-fluoro-[ (3)H]tyrosine.

AIM: Puromycin has played an important role in our understanding of the eukaryotic ribosome and protein synthesis. It has been known for more than 40 years that this antibiotic is a universal protein synthesis inhibitor that acts as a structural analog of an aminoacyl-transfer RNA (aa-tRNA) in eukaryotic ribosomes. Due to the role of enzymes and their synthesis in situations of need (DNA damage, e.g., after chemo- or radiation therapy), determination of protein synthesis is important for control of antitumor therapy, to enhance long-term survival of tumor patients, and to minimize side-effects of therapy. Multiple attempts to reach this goal have been made through the last decades, mostly using radiolabeled amino acids, with limited or unsatisfactory success. The aim of this study is to estimate the possibility of determining protein synthesis ratios by using (68)Ga-DOTA-puromycin ((68)Ga-DOTA-Pur), [(3)H]tyrosine, and 2-fluoro-[(3)H]tyrosine and to estimate the possibility of different pathways due to the fluorination of tyrosine. METHODS: DOTA-puromycin was synthesized using a puromycin-tethered controlled-pore glass (CPG) support by the usual protocol for automated DNA and RNA synthesis following our design. (68)Ga was obtained from a (68)Ge/(68)Ga generator as described previously by Zhernosekov et al. (J Nucl Med 48:1741-1748, 2007). The purified eluate was used for labeling of DOTA-puromycin at 95°C for 20 min. [(3)H]Tyrosine and 2-fluoro-[(3)H]tyrosine of the highest purity available were purchased from Moravek (Bera, USA) or Amersham Biosciences (Hammersmith, UK). In vitro uptake and protein incorporation as well as in vitro inhibition experiments using cycloheximide to inhibit protein synthesis were carried out for all three substances in DU145 prostate carcinoma cells (ATCC, USA). (68)Ga-DOTA-Pur was additionally used for µPET imaging of Walker carcinomas and AT1 tumors in rats. Dynamic scans were performed for 45 min after IV application (tail vein) of 20-25 MBq (68)Ga-DOTA-Pur. RESULTS: No significant differences in the behavior of [(3)H]tyrosine and 2-fluoro-[(3)H]tyrosine were observed. Uptake of both tyrosine derivatives was decreased by inhibition of protein synthesis, but only to a level of 45-55% of initial uptake, indicating no direct link between tyrosine uptake and protein synthesis. In contrast, (68)Ga-DOTA-Pur uptake was directly linked to ribosomal activity and, therefore, to protein synthesis. (68)Ga-DOTA-Pur µPET imaging in rats revealed high tumor-to-background ratios and clearly defined regions of interest in the investigated tumors. SUMMARY: Whereas the metabolic pathway of (68)Ga-DOTA-Pur is directly connected with the process of protein synthesis and shows high tumor uptake during µPET imaging, neither [(3)H]tyrosine nor 2-fluoro-[(3)H]tyrosine can be considered useful for determination of protein synthesis.

Imaging of protein synthesis: in vitro and in vivo evaluation of (44)Sc-DOTA-puromycin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether (44)Sc-labeled puromycin can be utilized for imaging of protein synthesis in vivo. METHODS: For micro-positron emission tomographic (µPET) studies, 20-25 MBq of [(44)Sc]-DOTA-puromycin was administered to tumor-bearing rats, and animals were scanned for 1 h dynamically. Results were further validated by dissecting organs and tissues of the animals after the measurement and in vitro blocking experiments using puromycin or cycloheximide to block protein synthesis. RESULTS: µPET images of tumor-bearing rats showed significant tumor uptake of [(44)Sc]-DOTA-puromycin and a clear-cut tumor visualization. In both blocking experiments, cellular uptake of [(44)Sc]-DOTA-puromycin ([(44)Sc]-DOTA-Pur) could be suppressed by blocking protein synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first time successful µPET imaging with (44)Sc obtained from a (44)Ti/(44)Sc generator, as well as noninvasive µPET imaging of ribosomal activity, respectively protein synthesis, with a puromycin-based radiopharmaceutical and the direct correlation between cellular uptake of [(44)Sc]-DOTA-Pur and protein synthesis.

Surrogate markers for cerebral blood flow correlate with [¹8F]-fallypride binding potential at dopamine D(2/3) receptors in human striatum.

Positron emission tomography (PET) with the high affinity dopamine D(2/3) receptor ligand [¹8F]-fallypride affords estimates of the binding potential (BP(ND) ) in extra-striatal regions of low receptor abundance, but the sufficient recording time for accurate measurements in striatum has been called into question. We have earlier argued that transient equilibrium measurements are obtained in striatum with [¹8F]-fallypride PET recordings of 3 h duration, which may be the practical limit for clinical investigations without interrupted scanning. However, the high extraction fraction of [¹8F]-fallypride predicts flow-dependence of tracer delivery to brain, which may be a source of variance of the apparent BP(ND) in regions of high binding. To test this prediction, we conducted a retrospective analysis of [¹8F]-fallypride PET data from a group of 50 healthy volunteers (age 18-58 years [mean ± SD: 32.6 ± 10.6), who had participated in clinical studies without arterial input measurements. We used the initial 120-s integral (AUC) of the venous confluence (VC) as a surrogate marker for cerebral blood flow (CBF) and tested for correlations between regional estimates of BP(ND) calculated by the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) and the individual VC-AUC. The magnitude of BP(ND) in a high binding region (putamen), but not in a low binding region (thalamus) correlated positively with VC-AUC, suggesting that approximately 9% of the variance in the [¹8F]-fallypride BP(ND) in putamen can be attributed to individual differences in this surrogate marker for CBF, a contribution equal in magnitude to the effects of age on BP(ND) in putamen of the present healthy control group.

P-glycoprotein influence on the brain uptake of a 5-HT(2A) ligand: [(18)F]MH.MZ.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The serotonergic system, especially the 5-HT(2A) receptor, is involved in various diseases and conditions. We have recently developed a new [(18)F]-5-HT(2A) receptor ligand using an analogue, MDL 100907, as a basis for molecular imaging with positron emission tomography. This tracer, [(18)F]MH.MZ, has been shown to be an adequate tool to visualize the 5-HT(2A) receptors in vivo. However, [(18)F]altanserin, similar in chemical structure, is a substrate of efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), of the blood-brain barrier, thus limiting its availability in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine whether transport by P-gp influences the distribution ratio of [(18)F]MH.MZ in the frontal cortex. METHODS: The approach was based on P-gp knockout mice which were compared with wild-type mice under several conditions. In vivo pharmacokinetic and microPET investigations were carried out. RESULTS: All analyses showed that [(18)F]MH.MZ entered the brain and was sensitive to P-gp transport. In P-gp knockout mice, brain concentrations of MH.MZ were about 5-fold higher than in wild-type animals which is reflected by a 2-fold increase in standardized uptake values of [(18)F]MH.MZ in the frontal cortex of P-gp knockout mice. CONCLUSION: Our results give evidence for a functional role of transport mechanisms at the blood-brain barrier, specifically of P-gp, and its subregional distribution. Investigation of these mechanisms will benefit the development of more efficient radioligands and drugs for molecular imaging and pharmacotherapy of the mentally ill.

18F-labeling and evaluation of novel MDL 100907 derivatives as potential 5-HT2A antagonists for molecular imaging.

INTRODUCTION: The serotonergic system, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, is involved in various diseases and conditions. It is a very interesting target for medicinal applications. METHODS: Two novel 5-HT2A tracers, namely, [(18)F]DD-1 and the enantiomeric pure (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ, were radiolabeled by (18)F-fluoroalkylation of the corresponding desmethyl analogue. In vitro binding autoradiography on rat brain slices was performed to test the affinity and selectivity of these tracers. Moreover, first microPET experiments of (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats. RESULTS: [(18)F]DD-1 (K(i)=3.23 nM) and (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ (K(i)=0.72 nM) were (18)F-fluoroalkylated by the secondary synthon [(18)F]FETos in a radiochemical yield (RCY) of >70%. The final formulation for both tracers took no longer than 100 min with an overall RCY of approximately 40%. It provided [(18)F]tracers with a purity >96% and a typical specific activity of 25-35 GBq/mumol. Autoradiographic images of (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ (5) and [(18)F]DD-1 (4) showed excellent visualization and selectivity of the 5-HT2A receptor for (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ and less specific binding for [(18)F]DD-1. The binding potential (BP) of (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ was determined to be 2.6 in the frontal cortex and 2.2 in the cortex (n=4), whereas the cortex-to-cerebellum ratio was determined to be 3.2 at steady state (n=4). Cortex-to-cerebellum ratios of (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ were almost twice as much as compared with the racemic [(18)F]MH.MZ. Thereby, equal levels of specific activities were used. High uptake could be demonstrated in cortex regions. CONCLUSION: Labeling of both novel tracers was carried out in high RCY. Autoradiography revealed (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ as a very selective and affine 5-HT2A tracer (K(i)=0.72 nM), whereas [(18)F]DD-1 showed no reasonable distribution pattern on autoradiographic sections. Moreover, results from microPET scans of (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ hint on improved molecular imaging characteristics compared with those of [(18)F]MH.MZ. Therefore, (R)-[(18)F]MH.MZ appears to be a highly potent and selective serotonergic PET ligand in small animals.

Relationship between dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, clinical response, and drug and monoamine metabolites levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. A pilot study in patients suffering from first-episode schizophrenia treated with quetiapine.

Combining measurements of the monoamine metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging can increase efficiency of drug discovery for treatment of brain disorders. To address this question, we examined five drug-naïve patients suffering from schizophrenic disorder. Patients were assessed clinically, using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS): at baseline and then at weekly intervals. Plasma and CSF levels of quetiapine and norquetiapine as well CSF 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were obtained at baseline and again after at least a 4 week medication trail with 600 mg/day quetiapine. CSF monoamine metabolites levels were compared with dopamine D(2) receptor occupancy (DA-D(2)) using [(18)F]fallypride and positron emission tomography (PET). Quetiapine produced preferential occupancy of parietal cortex vs. putamenal DA-D(2), 41.4% (p<0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). DA-D(2) receptor occupancies in the occipital and parietal cortex were correlated with CSF quetiapine and norquetiapine levels (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). CSF monoamine metabolites were significantly increased after treatment and correlated with regional receptor occupancies in the putamen [DOPAC: (p<0.01) and HVA: (p<0.05)], caudate nucleus [HVA: (p<0.01)], thalamus [MHPG: (p<0.05)] and in the temporal cortex [HVA: (p<0.05) and 5-HIAA: (p<0.05)]. This suggests that CSF monoamine metabolites levels reflect the effects of quetiapine treatment on neurotransmitters in vivo and indicates that monitoring plasma and CSF quetiapine and norquetiapine levels may be of clinical relevance.

Preliminary in vivo and ex vivo evaluation of the 5-HT2A imaging probe [(18)F]MH.MZ.

INTRODUCTION: The 5-HT(2A) receptor is one of the most interesting targets within the serotonergic system because it is involved in a number of important physiological processes and diseases. METHODS: [(18)F]MH.MZ, a 5-HT(2A) antagonistic receptor ligand, is labeled by (18)F-fluoroalkylation of the corresponding desmethyl analogue MDL 105725 with 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyltosylate ([(18)F]FETos). In vitro binding experiments were performed to test selectivity toward a broad spectrum of neuroreceptors by radioligand binding assays. Moreover, first micro-positron emission tomography (microPET) experiments, ex vivo organ biodistribution, blood cell and protein binding and brain metabolism studies of [(18)F]MH.MZ were carried out in rats. RESULTS: [(18)F]MH.MZ showed a K(i) of 3 nM toward the 5-HT(2A) receptor and no appreciable affinity for a variety of receptors and transporters. Ex vivo biodistribution as well as microPET showed highest brain uptake at approximately 5 min p.i. and steady state after approximately 30 min p.i. While [(18)F]MH.MZ undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism which significantly reduces its bioavailability, it is insignificantly metabolized within the brain. The binding potential in the rat frontal cortex is 1.45, whereas the cortex to cerebellum ratio was determined to be 2.7 after approximately 30 min. CONCLUSION: Results from microPET measurements of [(18)F]MH.MZ are in no way inferior to data known for [(11)C]MDL 100907 at least in rats. [(18)F]MH.MZ appears to be a highly potent and selective serotonergic PET ligand in small animals.