The chemistry of technetium: Toward improved diagnostic agents

Synthesis of potential 99mTc nitrido tumor imaging disposition in mice

Several cationic or neutral technetium-nitrido complexes of Schiff bases [for which 5-methyl 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl methylene) dithiocarbazate (L1) was a prototype], bis-aminoethanethiol (BAT-TM) and macrocyclic amines were prepared. We report here, the synthesis and isolation of these TcNLn complexes from reaction mixtures by high pressure liquid chromatography or sephadex G25 column. In vivo tissue distribution studies were performed on tumor bearing mice (B16, EMT6, 3LL) after i.v. injection of 10-20 microCi of TcNLn. Although pharmacokinetic differences appeared between the three studied ranges, we did not obtain proof of any particular specificity to tumor tissues. Nevertheless, the complexes were very stable and some of the ligands could be used as chelators after linking side chains or groups inducing specific tumor localization.

Comparison of different chromatographic quality-control procedures to determine the radiochemical purity of common 99mTc-diagnostic agents

Simple and rapid chromatographic systems were used to test the radiochemical purity of eleven 99mTc-diagnostic agents. Those systems were selected which gave no oxidation or other by-products. The tests were done with equipment normally available in Nuclear Medical Departments.

Chemical and biological properties of a cationic Tc-tetraamine complex

The complex of 99Tc with the ligand 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane (2,3,2-tet) was prepared and was compared with the similar 99Tc complexes with ethylenediamine and 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane. The results are all consistent with the formula [TcO2(2,3,2-tet)]+. The biological behavior was tested with 99mTc in Wistar rats. A fast clearance via the kidneys was found, and no accumulation in any other organ was observed.