Rhenium(V) and Technetium(V) Oxo Complexes of an N(2)N'S Peptidic Chelator: Evidence of Interconversion between the Syn and Anti Conformations

Bifunctional chelators for radiorhenium: past, present and future outlook

Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) is an ever-expanding field of nuclear medicine that provides a personalised approach to cancer treatment while limiting toxicity to normal tissues. It involves the radiolabelling of a biological targeting vector with an appropriate therapeutic radionuclide, often facilitated by the use of a bifunctional chelator (BFC) to stably link the two entities. The radioisotopes of rhenium, 186Re (t 1/2 = 90 h, 1.07 MeV β-, 137 keV γ (9%)) and 188Re (t 1/2 = 16.9 h, 2.12 MeV β-, 155 keV γ (15%)), are particularly attractive for radiotherapy because of their convenient and high-abundance β--particle emissions as well as their imageable γ-emissions and chemical similarity to technetium. As a transition metal element with multiple oxidation states and coordination numbers accessible for complexation, there is great opportunity available when it comes to developing novel BFCs for rhenium. The purpose of this review is to provide a recap on some of the past successes and failings, as well as show some more current efforts in the design of BFCs for 186/188Re. Future use of these radionuclides for radiotherapy depends on their cost-effective availability and this will also be discussed. Finally, bioconjugation strategies for radiolabelling biomolecules with 186/188Re will be touched upon.

Synthesis, characterization and biological studies of rhenium, technetium-99m and rhenium-188 pentapeptides

A pentapeptide macrocyclic ligand, KYCAR (lysyl-tyrosyl-cystyl-alanyl-arginine), has been designed as a potential chelating ligand for SPECT imaging and therapeutic in vivo agents. This study shows the synthesis and characterization of KYCAR complexes containing nonradioactive rhenium, ^99mTc, or ¹⁸⁸Re. The metal complexes were also biologically evaluated to determine in vivo distribution in healthy mice. The overall goals of this project were (1) to synthesize the Tc/Re pentapeptide complexes, (2) to identify spectroscopic methods for characterization of syn versus anti rhenium peptide complexes, (3) to analyze the ex vivo stability, and (4) to assess the biological properties of the [^99mTc]TcO-KYCAR and [¹⁸⁸Re]ReO-KYCAR complexes in vivo. Details on these efforts are provided below.

METHODS

^NatRe/^99mTc/¹⁸⁸ReO-KYCAR complexes were synthesized, and macroscopic species were characterized via HPLC, IR, NMR, and CD. These characterization data were compared to the crystallographic data of ReO-KYC to assist in the assignment of diastereomers and to aid in the determination of the structure of the complex.

RESULTS

The radiometal complexes were synthesized with high purity (>95%). HPLC, IR, NMR and CD data on the macroscopic ^natReO-KYCAR complexes confirm the successful complexation as well as the presence of two diastereomers in syn and anticonformations. Tracer level complexes show favorable stabilities ex vivo for 2+ h.

CONCLUSION

Macroscopic metal complexes form diastereomers with the KYCAR ligand; however, this phenomenon is not readily observed on the tracer level due to the rapid interconversion. It was determined through pK_a measurements that the macroscopic ^natReO-KYCAR complex is 0 at physiological pH. The [^99mTc]TcO-KYCAR is stable in vitro while the [¹⁸⁸Re]ReO-KYCAR shows 50% decomposition in PBS and serum. Biologically, the tracer level complexes clear through the hepatobiliary pathway. Some decomposition of both tracers is evident by uptake in the thyroid and stomach.

Radioactive Transition Metals for Imaging and Therapy

Nuclear medicine is composed of two complementary areas, imaging and therapy. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon imaging, including single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), comprise the imaging component of nuclear medicine. These areas are distinct in that they exploit different nuclear decay processes and also different imaging technologies. In PET, images are created from the 511 keV photons produced when the positron emitted by a radionuclide encounters an electron and is annihilated. In contrast, in single-photon imaging, images are created from the γ rays (and occasionally X-rays) directly emitted by the nucleus. Therapeutic nuclear medicine uses particulate radiation such as Auger or conversion electrons or β^- or α particles. All three of these technologies are linked by the requirement that the radionuclide must be attached to a suitable vector that can deliver it to its target. It is imperative that the radionuclide remain attached to the vector before it is delivered to its target as well as after it reaches its target or else the resulting image (or therapeutic outcome) will not reflect the biological process of interest. Radiochemistry is at the core of this process, and radiometals offer radiopharmaceutical chemists a tremendous range of options with which to accomplish these goals. They also offer a wide range of options in terms of radionuclide half-lives and emission properties, providing the ability to carefully match the decay properties with the desired outcome. This Review provides an overview of some of the ways this can be accomplished as well as several historical examples of some of the limitations of earlier metalloradiopharmaceuticals and the ways that new technologies, primarily related to radionuclide production, have provided solutions to these problems.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel Tc-99m labeled NGR-containing hexapeptides as tumor imaging agents

Asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR)-containing peptides targeting aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13 can be an excellent candidate for targeting ligands in molecular tumor imaging. In this study, we developed two NGR-containing hexapeptides, and evaluated the diagnostic performance of Tc-99m labeled hexapeptides as molecular imaging agents in an HT-1080 fibrosarcoma-bearing murine model. Peptides were synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Radiochemical purity of Tc-99m was evaluated using instant thin-layer chromatography. The uptake of two NGR-containing hexapeptides within HT-1080 cells was evaluated in vitro. In HT-1080 fibrosarcoma tumor-bearing mice, gamma images were acquired. A biodistribution study was performed to calculate percentage of the injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g). Two hexapeptides, glutamic acid-cysteine-glycine (ECG)-NGR and NGR-ECG were successfully synthesized. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99m, the complexes Tc-99m hexapeptides were prepared in high yield. The uptake of Tc-99m ECG-NGR within the tumor cells had been assured by in vitro studies. The gamma camera imaging in the murine model showed that Tc-99m ECG-NGR was accumulated substantially in the subcutaneously engrafted tumor. However, Tc-99m NGR-ECG was accumulated minimally in the tumor. Two NGR-containing hexapeptides, ECG-NGR and NGR-ECG were developed as molecular imaging agents to target APN/CD13 in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma. Tc-99m ECG-NGR showed a significant uptake in the tumor, and it is a good candidate for tumor imaging.

Evaluation of ανβ3-mediated tumor expression with a 99mTc-labeled ornithine-modified RGD derivative during glioblastoma growth in vivo

In this study, a novel way of distinguishing the intrinsic relationship between ανβ3 integrin targeting and detection of tumor growth by using a radiolabeled tracer based on a cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide was provided. The potential of the in vivo scintigraphic imaging of the developing vasculature from the early stage of tumor growth was evaluated. Alongside with the scintigraphic images, biodistribution studies were performed at distinct time points to validate this noninvasive imaging approach. The ability to noninvasively assess the tumor growth of ανβ3 integrin-positive glioblastoma tumors provides a method to better understand tumor angiogenesis in vivo and allows for a direct assessment of anti-integrin treatment efficacy.

Novel Tc-99m labeled ELR-containing 6-mer peptides for tumor imaging in epidermoid carcinoma xenografts model: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

ELR-containing peptides targeting CXCR2 could be the excellent candidate for targeting ligand of molecular tumor imaging. In this study, we had developed two ELR-containing 6-mer peptides and evaluated the diagnostic performance of Tc-99m labeled 6-mer peptides as a molecular imaging agent in murine models bearing KB epidermoid carcinoma.

METHODS

Peptides were synthesized using Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis. Radiolabeling efficiency with Tc-99m was evaluated using instant thin-layer chromatography. In KB epidermoid cancer-bearing mice, gamma images had acquired and tumor-to-muscle uptake ratio was calculated. Competition and biodistribution studies had performed.

RESULTS

Two 6-mer peptides, ELR-ECG and ECG-ELR were successfully synthesized. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc-99m, the complex Tc-99m ELR-ECG and Tc-99m ECG-ELR were prepared in high yield. In the gamma camera imaging of murine model, Tc-99m ELR-ECG was substantially accumulated in the subcutaneously engrafted tumor and tumor uptake had been suppressed by the free ELR co-injection. However, Tc-99m ECG-ELR was minimally accumulated in the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Two ELR-containing 6-mer peptides, ELR-ECG and ECG-ELR, were developed as a molecular imaging agent to target CXCR2 of epidermoid carcinoma. Tc-99m ELR-ECG had showed significant uptake in tumor and it was good candidate for a tumor imaging.

Biological evaluation of an ornithine-modified (99m)Tc-labeled RGD peptide as an angiogenesis imaging agent

INTRODUCTION

Radiolabeled RGD peptides that specifically target integrin α(ν)β(3) have great potential in early tumor detection through noninvasive monitoring of tumor angiogenesis. Based on previous findings of our group on radiopeptides containing positively charged aminoacids, we developed a new cyclic cRGDfK derivative, c(RGDfK)-(Orn)(3)-CGG. This new peptide availing the polar linker (Orn)(3) and the (99m)Tc-chelating moiety CGG (Cys-Gly-Gly) is appropriately designed for (99m)Tc-labeling, as well as consequent conjugation onto nanoparticles.

METHODS

A tumor imaging agent, c(RGDfK)-(Orn)(3)-[CGG-(99m)Tc], is evaluated with regard to its radiochemical, radiobiological and imaging characteristics.

RESULTS

The complex c(RGDfK)-(Orn)(3)-[CGG-(99m)Tc] was obtained in high radiochemical yield (>98%) and was stable in vitro and ex vivo. It presented identical to the respective, fully analytically characterized (185/187)Re complex retention time in RP-HPLC. In contrary to other RGD derivatives, we showed that the new radiopeptide exhibits kidney uptake and urine excretion due to the ornithine linker. High tumor uptake (3.87±0.48% ID/g at 60 min p.i.) was observed and was maintained relatively high even at 24 h p.i. (1.83±0.05 % ID/g), thus providing well-defined scintigraphic imaging. Accumulation in other organs was negligible. Blocking experiments indicated target specificity for integrin receptors in U87MG glioblastoma cells.

CONCLUSION

Due to its relatively high tumor uptake, renal elimination and negligible abdominal localization, the new (99m)Tc-RGD peptide is considered promising in the field of imaging α(ν)β(3)-positive tumors. However, the preparation of multifunctional SPECT/MRI contrast agents (RGD-conjugated nanoparticles) for dual modality imaging of integrin expressing tumors should be further investigated.

Structural modifications of ⁹⁹mTc-labelled bombesin-like peptides for optimizing pharmacokinetics in prostate tumor targeting

PURPOSE

The main goal of the present study was to investigate the importance of the addition of a positively charged aa in the naturally occurring bombesin (BN) peptide for its utilization as radiodiagnostic agent, taking into consideration the biodistribution profile, the pharmacokinetic characteristics and the tumor targeting ability.

METHODS

Two BN-derivatives of the general structure [M-chelator]-(spacer)-BN(2-14)-NH(2), where M: (99m)Tc or (185/187)Re, chelator: Gly-Gly-Cys-, spacer: -(arginine)(3)-, M-BN-A; spacer: -(ornithine)(3)-, M-BN-O; have been prepared and evaluated as tumor imaging agents.

RESULTS

The peptides under study presented high radiolabelling efficiency (>98%), significant stability in human plasma (>60% intact radiolabelled peptide after 1h incubation) and comparable receptor binding affinity with the standard [(125)I-Tyr(4)]-BN. Their internalization rates in the prostate cancer PC-3 cells differed, although the amount of internalized peptide was the same. The biodistribution and the dynamic γ-camera imaging studies in normal and PC-3 tumor-bearing SCID mice have shown significant tumor uptake, combined with fast blood clearance, through the urinary pathway.

CONCLUSION

The addition of the charged aa spacer in the BN structure was advantageous for biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and tumor targeting ability, because it reduced the upper abdominal radioactivity levels and increased tumor/normal tissue contrast ratios.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel Tc-99m labeled probestin conjugates for imaging APN/CD13 expression in vivo

The enzyme aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13) is known to play an important role in tumor proliferation, attachment, angiogenesis, and tumor invasion. In this study, we hypothesized that a radiolabeled high affinity APN inhibitor could be potentially useful for imaging APN expression in vivo. Here, we report synthesis, radiolabeling, and biological evaluation of new probestin conjugates containing a tripeptide, N,N-dimethylglycyl-l-lysinyl-l-cysteinylamide (N(3)S), chelator. New probestin conjugates were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis method, purified by reversed-phase HPLC, and characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry. The conjugates were complexed with Re(V) and (99m)Tc(V) by transmetalation using corresponding Re(V) or (99m)Tc(V) gluconate synthon. The mass spectral analyses of ReO-N(3)S-Probestin conjugates were consistent with the formation of neutral Re(V)O-N(3)S complexes. Initial biological activity of ReO-N(3)S-Probestin conjugates determined by performing an in vitro APN enzyme assay using intact HT-1080 cells demonstrated higher inhibition of APN enzyme activity than bestatin. In vivo biodistribution and whole body planar imaging studies of (99m)TcO-N(3)S-PEG(2)-Probestin performed in nude mice xenografted with human fibrosarcoma tumors derived from HT-1080 cells demonstrated a tumor uptake value of 2.88 ± 0.64%ID/g with tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios of 4.8 and 5.3, respectively, at 1 h postinjection (p.i.). Tumors were clearly visible in whole body planar image obtained at 1 h p.i., but not when the APN was competitively blocked with a coinjection of excess nonradioactive ReO-N(3)S-PEG(2)-Probestin conjugate. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using high affinity APN inhibitor conjugates as targeting vectors for in vivo targeting of APN.

Spacer site modifications for the improvement of the in vitro and in vivo binding properties of (99m)Tc-N(3)S-X-bombesin[2-14] derivatives

It has been shown that gastrin releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs) are overexpressed in various types of cancer cells. Bombesin is an analogue of the mammalian GRP that binds with high specificity and affinity to GRPRs. Significant research efforts have been lately devoted to the design of radiolabeled 8 or 14 aminoacid bombesin (BN) peptides for the detection (either with gamma or positron emitting radionuclides) and therapy (with beta(-) emitting radionuclides) of cancer. The specific aim of the present study was to further investigate the radiolabeled peptide structure and to determine whether the total absence of a linker or the use of a basic diverse amino acid linker could influence the biodistribution profile of the new compounds for specific targeting of human prostate cancer. Thus, two new derivatives with the structure Gly-Gly-Cys-X-BN[2-14], where linker X is either zero (I) or Orn-Orn-Orn (Orn: ornithine) (II) were designed and synthesized. The corresponding (99m)Tc-BN derivatives were obtained with high radiochemical yield (>98%) and had almost identical retention times in RP-HPLC with the (185/187)Re complexes, which were also characterized by ESI-MS. Metabolic stability was found to be high in human plasma, moderate in PC-3 cells, and rather low in mouse liver and kidney homogenates for both BN derivatives studied. The BN derivative without the spacer was less stable in cell culture and liver homogenates. A satisfactory binding affinity to GRPRs, in the nanomolar range, was obtained for both BN derivatives as well as for their Re complexes, with BN (II) demonstrating the highest one. In vitro internalization/externalization assays indicated that approximately 6% of BN (I) and approximately 25% of BN (II) were internalized into PC-3 cells. In vivo evaluation in normal Swiss mice and in tumor bearing SCID mice showed that BN (II) presented higher tumor and pancreas uptake than BN (I). Small animal SPECT dynamic imaging, carried out after an injection of BN (II) in mice bearing PC-3 tumors, resulted in PC-3 tumor delineation with low background activity. Overall, this study performed for two new N(3)S-X-BN[2-14] derivatives indicated that hydrophilicity and charge strongly affected the in vitro and in vivo binding properties and the biodistribution pattern. This finding is confirmed by SPECT imaging of BN (II), which is under further in vivo evaluation for detecting cancer-positive GRPRs.

Syntheses and structures of technetium(V) and rhenium(V) oxo complexes of peptide having KYC-sequence

Technetium(V) and rhenium(V) oxo complexes of a peptide having a KYC-sequence such as KYCAR (H3L5) and KYCAREPPTRTNAYWGQG-NH2 (H3L18) were synthesized, and structures of the complexes were characterized by spectroscopic techniques. All of the complexes were synthesized by the ligand exchange reaction of [(n-C4H9)4N][MOCl4] (M = 99Tc, Re) with peptide in methanol or dimethylformamide solution. These complexes have a square pyramidal structure with an oxo ligand at the apical position. The peptide is coordinated to a metal atom through Namine of lysine, Sthiol of cysteine, and Namide of tyrosine and cysteine in the equatorial plane. A lysine (CH2)4NH2 group of the L5 ligand has the syn conformation with respect to metal-oxo bonding in the complex. The syn isomer was selectively formed in the ligand exchange reaction. The conversion of the syn isomer to the anti isomer was observed only for syn-[ReO(L5)], in which the coordination of water to the trans position of the oxo ligand was involved.

Bifunctional coupling agents for radiolabeling of biomolecules and target-specific delivery of metallic radionuclides

Receptor-based radiopharmaceuticals are of great current interest in molecular imaging and radiotherapy of cancers, and provide a unique tool for target-specific delivery of radionuclides to the diseased tissues. In general, a target-specific radiopharmaceutical can be divided into four parts: targeting biomolecule (BM), pharmacokinetic modifying (PKM) linker, bifunctional coupling or chelating agent (BFC), and radionuclide. The targeting biomolecule serves as a "carrier" for specific delivery of the radionuclide. PKM linkers are used to modify radiotracer excretion kinetics. BFC is needed for radiolabeling of biomolecules with a metallic radionuclide. Different radiometals have significant difference in their coordination chemistry, and require BFCs with different donor atoms and chelator frameworks. Since the radiometal chelate can have a significant impact on physical and biological properties of the target-specific radiopharmaceutical, its excretion kinetics can be altered by modifying the coordination environment with various chelators or coligand, if needed. This review will focus on the design of BFCs and their coordination chemistry with technetium, copper, gallium, indium, yttrium and lanthanide radiometals.

MO tripeptide diastereomers (M=99/99mTc, Re): models to identify the structure of 99mTc peptide targeted radiopharmaceuticals

Biologically active molecules, such as many peptides, serve as targeting vectors for radiopharmaceuticals based on 99mTc. Tripeptides can be suitable chelates and are easily and conveniently synthesized and linked to peptide targeting vectors through solid-phase peptide synthesis and form stable TcVO complexes. Upon complexation with [TcO]3+, two products form; these are syn and anti diastereomers, and they often have different biological behavior. This is the case with the approved radiopharmaceutical [99mTcO]depreotide ([99mTcO]P829, NeoTect) that is used to image lung cancer. [99mTcO]depreotide indeed exhibits two product peaks in its HPLC profile, but assignment of the product peaks to the diastereomers has proven to be difficult because the metal peptide complex is difficult to crystallize for structural analysis. In this study, we isolated diastereomers of [99TcO] and [ReO] complexes of several tripeptide ligands that model the metal chelator region of [99mTcO]depreotide. Using X-ray crystallography, we observed that the early eluting peak (A) corresponds to the anti diastereomer, where the Tc=O group is on the opposite side of the plane formed by the ligand backbone relative to the pendant groups of the tripeptide ligand, and the later eluting peak (B) corresponds to the syn diastereomer, where the Tc=O group is on the same side of the plane as the residues of the tripeptide. 1H NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy report on the metal environment and prove to be diagnostic for syn or anti diastereomers, and we identified characteristic features from these techniques that can be used to assign the diastereomer profile in 99mTc peptide radiopharmaceuticals like [99mTcO]depreotide and in 188Re peptide radiotherapeutic agents. Crystallography, potentiometric titration, and NMR results presented insights into the chemistry occurring under physiological conditions. The tripeptide complexes where lysine is the second amino acid crystallized in a deprotonated metallo-amide form, possessing a short N1-M bond. The pKa measurements of the N1 amine (pKa approximately 5.6) suggested that this amine is rendered more acidic by both metal complexation and the presence of the lysine residue. Furthermore, peptide chelators incorporating a lysine (like the chelator of [TcO]depreotide) likely exist in the deprotonated form in vivo, comprising a neutral metal center. Deprotonation possibly mediates the interconversion process between the syn and anti diastereomers. The N1 amine group on non-lysine-containing metallopeptides is not as acidic (pKa approximately 6.8) and does not deprotonate and crystallize as do the metallo-amide species. Three of the tripeptide ligands (FGC, FSC, and FKC) were radiolabeled with 99mTc, and the individual syn and anti isomers were isolated for biodistribution studies in normal female nude mice. The main organs of uptake were the liver, intestines, and kidneys, with the FGC compounds exhibiting the highest liver uptake. In comparing the diastereomers, the syn compounds had substantially higher organ uptake and slower blood clearance than the anti compounds.

Isolation, characterization, and biological evaluation of syn and anti diastereomers of [(99m)Tc]technetium depreotide: a somatostatin receptor binding tumor imaging agent

The early and later eluting [(99m)TcO]depreotide products on RP-HPLC were confirmed to be the anti and syn diastereomers, respectively, based on proton NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy. NMR provided evidence of a folded, conformationally constrained structure for the syn diastereomer. The syn diastereomer is predominant (anti/syn approximately 10:90) in the [(99m)TcO]depreotide preparation and shows a slightly higher affinity (IC50 = 0.15 nM) for the somatostatin receptor than the anti diastereomer (IC50 = 0.89 nM). Both diastereomers showed higher binding affinities than the free peptide (IC(50) = 7.4 nM). Biodistribution studies in AR42J tumor xenograft nude mice also showed higher tumor uptake for syn [(99m)TcO]depreotide (6.58% ID/g) than for the anti [(99m)TcO]depreotide (3.38% ID/g). Despite the differences in biological efficacy, the favorable binding affinity, tumor uptake, and tumor-to-background ratio results for both diastereomeric species predict that both are effective for imaging somatostatin receptor-positive tumors in vivo.

Solid-phase Synthesis of a Peptide Derivative of Thymosin alpha1 and Initial Studies on its99mTc-Radiolabelling

A derivative (1) of the immunopotentiating 28-peptide thymosin alpha1 has been especially designed, so that it can be (99m)Tc-radiolabelled, and synthesized following the Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis approach. Derivative 1 contains the N-terminal fragment Talpha1[1-14] as a bioactive segment, at the C-terminus of which a (99m)Tc-chelating moiety consisting of N(alpha),N(alpha)-dimethylglycine, serine and cysteine is linked through the N(epsilon)-amino group of a 'bifunctional' lysine residue; the latter is indirectly anchored on the solid-phase peptide synthesis resin through 6-aminocaproic acid (dmGSCK{N(epsilon)-Talpha1[1-14]}Aca). Synthetic derivative 1 was obtained at high overall yield (approximately 35%) and purity (>95%) and shown to be efficiently radiolabelled with (99m)Tc, thus resulting in the first, to our knowledge, so far reported (99m)Tc-radiolabelled derivative of thymosin alpha1, which may be eventually used as a specific molecular tool for the in vitro/in vivo study of the mode of action of the parent bioactive peptide.

Somatostatin Receptor-Binding Peptides Suitable for Tumor Radiotherapy with Re-188 or Re-186. Chemistry and Initial Biological Studies

Somatostatin derivative peptides previously designed for radiodiagnostic purposes (99mTc P829 or 99mTc depreotide) were reoptimized for radiotherapy of tumors with rhenium radioisotopes. An optimized pharmacophore peptide P1839 was derived by in vitro binding affinity assay to AR42J rat pancreatic tumor cell membranes. Peptides with chelating domains and their oxorhenium(V) complexes were tested in vitro for binding to NCI H69 human SCLC tumor membranes. Further optimization entailed radiolabeling with 99mTc and biodistribution in an AR42J xenograft mouse model. Kidney uptake was decreased substantially by removing positively charged residues. Neutral N3S diamide amine thiol chelators with no adjacent positive charges had the best overall properties. Substituting an aromatic amino acid into the chelator approximately doubled the tumor uptake. The final optimized peptide P2045 (39) radiolabeled with 99mTc exhibited increased tumor uptake ( approximately 25 %ID/g at 1.5 h), lower kidney uptake ( approximately 4.8 %ID/g at 1.5 h), and extensive urinary excretion (59 %ID at 1.5 h). Finally, comparison biodistribution studies between 99mTc and 188Re (39) showed a good correlation between the two metal complexes and demonstrated prolonged tumor retention (> or =24 h).

Rhenium(v) oxocomplexes with novel pyrazolyl-based N4- and N3S-donor chelators

The novel pyrazolyl-based ligands 3,5-Me2pz(CH2)2NH(CH2)2NH(CH2)2NH2 and pz*(CH2)2NH-Gly-CH2STrit (pz*=pz, 3,5-Me2pz, 4-(EtOOC)CH(2)-3,5-Me2pz) were synthesized, and their suitability to stabilize Re(V) oxocomplexes was evaluated using different starting materials, namely (NBu4)[ReOCl4], [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] and trans-[ReO2(py)4]Cl. Compound reacts with trans-[ReO2(py)4]Cl yielding the cationic compound [ReO(OMe){3,5-Me2pz(CH2)2N(CH2)2NH(CH2)2NH2}](BPh4) in a low isolated yield. In contrast, the neutral complexes [ReO{pz*(CH2)2NH-Gly-CH2S}] (pz*=pz, 3,5-Me2pz, 4-(EtOOCCH2)-3,5-Me2pz) were synthesized almost quantitatively by reacting [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] or (NBu4)[ReOCl4] with the trityl-protected chelators. The X-ray diffraction analysis of and confirmed the tetradentate coordination mode of the respective ancillary ligands. In the monoanionic chelator coordinates to the metal through four nitrogen atoms, while in the chelator is trianionic, coordinating to the metal through three nitrogens and one sulfur atom. Solution NMR studies of , including two-dimensional NMR techniques (1H COSY and 1H/13C HSQC), confirmed that the N3S coordination mode of the chelators is retained in solution. Unlike , complexes may be considered relevant in the development of radiopharmaceuticals, as further corroborated by the synthesis of the congener [99mTcO{pz(CH2)2-NH-Gly-CH2S}]. This radioactive compound was obtained from 99mTcO4- in aqueous medium, in almost quantitative yield and with high specific activity and radiochemical purity.

Preparation of cyclotron-produced 186Re and comparison with reactor-produced 186Re and generator-produced 188Re for the labeling of bombesin

The radioisotopes (186)Re and (188)Re have been extensively investigated for various forms of radiotherapy due to their useful and high-abundance beta particle emissions, low-abundance and imageable gamma-rays, and chemical resemblance to technetium. In addition, (188)Re is available in no-carrier-added (NCA) form from long lived W-188 generators, whereas (186)Re can be produced in large quantities from reactors, although not in NCA form. However, NCA (186)Re can be produced on a cyclotron by a (p,n) reaction on (186)W. The purpose of this study was to compare labeling of the peptide bombesin with these three forms of rhenium radioisotopes. Cyclotron-produced NCA (186)Re was separated radiochemically from enriched (186)W (96.9%) targets using high-purity methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). The resulting (186)Re-MEK was then loaded onto a small alumina column to separate the resulting NCA (186)Re from any remaining (186)W. The experimental levels of impurities associated with (186)Re at the end of the separation process were found to be 5.7 x 10(-6) Ci of (182)Re (0.57%, t(1/2) = 12.7 h) and 1.283 x 10(-5) Ci of (182m)Re (1.28%, t(1/2) = 2.67 days). The radionuclidic purity of the separated (186)Re was found to be 99.6%, whereas the chemical identity was determined by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) to be perrhenate ((186)ReO(4)(-)). Generator-produced (188)ReO(4)(-) from a (188)W/(188)Re generator (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) and CA (186)ReO(4)(-) produced from a (185)Re(n,gamma)(186)Re reaction at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) were used for comparison with the NCA (186)Re in subsequent studies. N(3)S-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH(2) conjugates provide flexibility for designing (186,188)Re-labeled conjugates that retain high in vitro and in vivo specificity targeting of GRP receptor-expressing cells. This study showed that the N(3)S-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH(2) could be labeled with (186,188)Re following the preconjugation, postmetallation approach. The (186,188)Re(V)O-N(3)S-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH(2) complexes were found to form stable complexes following the reduction of perrhenate (Re(VII)O(4)(-)) with stannous chloride at room temperature, as verified by HPLC and stability studies. The radiolabeling yield was found to be >90%. The HPLC chromatograms of (186,188)Re-N(3)S-5-Ava-BBN(7-14)NH(2) complexes revealed two peaks for each conjugate, reflecting the presence of syn- and anti-isomers, which were resolvable by HPLC but re-isomerized on separation. The biodistribution studies showed that the compounds were excreted through the renal and hepatobiliary systems and demonstrated receptor-specific uptake with an average pancreas accumulation of 8.15% ID/g at 1 h postinjection. Administration of cold BBN effectively blocked pancreatic uptake and further reflects the high specificity this conjugate has for the GRP receptors. At low levels of radioactivity, radiolysis effects were not observed. Scale-up may or may not elicit this effect, particularly for the higher energy beta emitter (188)Re. The biodistribution studies demonstrated that the CA and NCA (186,188)Re conjugates behaved similarly, raising the question of whether NCA (186,188)Re is necessary for specific tumor receptor targeting.

New directions in the coordination chemistry of 99mTc: a reflection on technetium core structures and a strategy for new chelate design

Bifunctional chelates offer a general approach for the linking of radioactive metal cations to macromolecules. In the specific case of 99mTc, a variety of technologies have been developed for assembling a metal-chelate-biomolecule complex. An evaluation of these methodologies requires an appreciation of the coordination characteristics and preferences of the technetium core structures and oxidation states, which serve as platforms for the development of the imaging agent. Three technologies, namely, the MAG3-based bifunctional chelates, the N-oxysuccinimidylhydrazino-nicotinamide system and the recently described single amino acid chelates for the {Tc(CO)3}1+ core, are discussed in terms of the fundamental coordination chemistry of the technetium core structures. In assessing the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, we conclude that the single amino acid analogue chelates (SAAC), which are readily conjugated to small peptides by solid-phase synthesis methods and which form robust complexes with the {Tc(CO)3}1+ core, offer an effective alternative to the previously described methods.

Binding of the Oxo−Rhenium(V) Core to Methionine and to N-Terminal Histidine Dipeptides

The ReOX(2)(met) compounds (X = Cl, Br) adopt a distorted octahedral structure in which a carboxylato oxygen lies trans to the Re=O bond, whereas the equatorial plane is occupied by two cis halides, an NH(2), and an SCH(3) group. Coordination of the SCH(3) unit creates an asymmetric center, leading to two diastereoisomers. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the crystals of ReOBr(2)(d,l-met).1/2H(2)O and ReOBr(2)(d,l-met).1/2CH(3)OH contain only the syn isomer (S-CH(3) bond on the side of the Re=O bond), whereas ReOCl(2)(d-met) and ReOCl(2)(d,l-met) consist of the pure anti isomer. (1)H NMR spectroscopy shows that both isomers coexist in equilibrium in acetone (anti/syn ratio = 1:1 for X = Br, 3:1 for X = Cl). Exchange between these two isomers is fast above room temperature, but it slows down below 0 degrees C, and the sharp second-order spectra of both isomers at -20 degrees C were fully assigned. The coupling constants are consistent with the solid-state conformations being retained in solution. Complexes of the type [ReOX(2)(His-aa)]X (X = Cl, Br) are isolated with the dipeptides His-aa (aa = Gly, Ala, Leu, and Phe). X-ray diffraction work on [ReOBr(2)(His-Ala)]Br reveals the presence of distorted octahedral cations containing the Re=O(3+) core and a dipeptide coordinated through the histidine residue via the imidazole nitrogen, the terminal amino group, and the amide oxygen, the site trans to the Re=O bond being occupied by the oxygen. The alanine residue is ended by a protonated carboxylic group that does not participate in the coordination. The constant pattern of the(1)H NMR signals for the protons in the histidine residue confirms that the various dipeptides adopt a similar binding mode, consistent with the solid-state structure being retained in CD(3)OD solution.

Unusual Reactivity of the {ReVO}3+ Core: Syntheses and Characterization of Novel Rhenium Halide Complexes with N-Methyl-o-diaminobenzene

The reactions of 1 or 2 equiv of N-methyl-o-diaminobenzene with trans-[ReOX(3)(PPh(3))(2)] (X = Cl, Br) in refluxing chloroform gave oxo-free rhenium complexes [Re(VI)X(4)(NC(6)H(4)NHCH(3))(OPPh(3))] (X = Cl, 3; X = Br, 6), [Re(V)X(2)Y(NC(6)H(4)NHCH(3))(PPh(3))(2)] (X, Y = Cl, 4; X = Br, Y = Cl, 7), [Re(IV)Cl(2)(NHC(6)H(4)NCH(3))(2)] (5), and [Re(IV)Br(3)(NHC(6)H(4)NCH(3))(PPh(3))] (8). All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H NMR and IR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, EPR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The complexes all display distorted octahedral coordination geometry. For Re(IV) complexes 5 and 8, the ligands coordinate in the benzosemiquinone diimine form. In Re(VI) complexes 3 and 6 and the Re(V) complexes 4 and 7, the ligands coordinate in the dianionic monodentate imido form. The EPR spectra of Re(VI) species 3 and 6 in dichloromethane solution at room temperature exhibit the characteristic hyperfine pattern of six lines, with evidence of strong second-order effects. The IR spectra of the complexes are characterized by Re=N and Re-N stretching bands at ca. 1090 and 540 cm(-)(1), respectively. The Re(IV) and Re(V) complexes display well-resolved NMR spectra, while the Re(VI) complexes exhibit no observable spectra, due to paramagnetism. The cyclic voltammograms of complexes 3 and 6 display Re(VII)/ Re(VI) and Re(VI)/Re(V) processes, those of 4 and 7 exhibit Re(VI)/Re(V) and Re(V)/Re(IV) couples, and those of 5 and 8 are characterized by Re(V)/Re(IV) and Re(IV)/Re(III) processes.

Structural Study by NMR of an Oxorhenium−RGD Decapeptide Complex for Application in Radiotherapy

The decapeptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Tyr, which contains two Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) moieties in its sequence, has been successfully labeled with radioactive rhenium (Re-188) yielding a single, stable oxorhenium complex. This complex is being evaluated for possible application in oncology as a target-specific radiotherapeutic agent, because its radioactive technetium-99m analogue has already been applied for the scintigraphic detection of malignant melanoma in humans. For structural characterization purposes, the complex of the decapeptide was synthesized at the macroscopic level using nonradioactive rhenium (Re-185/Re-187). NMR and mass spectral analysis of the nonradioactive oxorhenium complex revealed that the decapeptide coordinates to the oxorhenium core through the N(amide) of Asp3, the N(amide) of Ser4, and the N(amide) and S(thiolate) atoms of Cys5 to form a complex of the ReO[N(3)S] type.

Technetium-99m labeling of N-[N-(3-diphenylphosphino propionyl)glycyl]cysteine (PN2S-OH) and its methyl ester derivative (PN2S-OMe)

N-[N-(3-diphenylphosphinopropionyl)glycyl]cysteine and its methyl ester derivative were labeled with (99m)Tc at neutral pH, leading to a single species in high yield (>95%) in 30 min. RP-HPLC comparison with the analogue Re(V)-oxo complexes identified the labeled compounds as the anti isomers of pentacoordinated (99m)TcO[PN(2)S]-OH and (99m)TcO[PN(2)S]-OMe complexes. The compounds are stable from pH 7 to pH 9 when (99m)TcO[PN(2)S]-OH interconverts to related syn isomer, while (99m)TcO[PN(2)S]-OMe undergoes both saponification and interconversion. They exhibit high stability in human plasma and in vivo (mice), and a biodistribution characterized by hepatobiliary excretion.

Preparation and Characterization of [99TcO] Apcitide: A Technetium Labeled Peptide

[99mTcO] apcitide (99mTcO(P246)), the technetium complex of the 13 amino acid, apcitide, cyclo-(D-Tyr-Apc-Gly-Asp-Cys)-Gly-Gly-Cys(Acm)-Gly-Cys(Acm)-Gly-Gly-Cys-NH2, where Apc is L-[S-(3-aminopropyl)]cysteine (an arginine mimetic) and Acm is the acetamidomethyl protecting group, has high affinity and selectivity for the GPIIb/IIIa receptor that is expressed on the membrane surface of activated platelets and plays an integral role in platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Bibapcitide, a 26 amino acid, bis-succinimidomethyl ether-linked dimer of the peptide apcitide has been formulated as a single-vial, lyophilized kit having the trade name AcuTect. When sterile, nonpyrogenic sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4-) in 0.9% sodium chloride is added to the AcuTect radiopharmaceutical kit and the resulting kit is heated, [99mTcO] apcitide forms. This is the first radiopharmaceutical to target acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities. We report here the preparation, purification, and isolation of the 99Tc complex of apcitide and its characterization to determine the mode of binding of Tc to apcitide. [99TcO] apcitide was prepared, on the macroscopic level, by reaction of [99TcOCl4]- with apcitide, purified by preparative HPLC and isolated as a trifluoroacetate salt. [99TcO] apcitide can also be formed from the reaction of bibapcitide and 99TcO4- in the presence of Sn(II) and glucoheptonate at 80 degrees C, conditions that mimic the radiopharmaceutical kit preparation. FTIR data show a Tc=O stretch at 961.2 cm(-1), in the range observed for anionic [TcVO]3+ amide thiolate complexes. The mass spectral data is in agreement with the formula, [C51H73O20N17S5Tc]-, consistent with retention of Acm groups and the Tc binding in the Gly11-Gly12-Cys13 region of the peptide. Despite significant spectral overlap due to numerous similar amino acids, all protons of apcitide and [99TcO] apcitide were unambiguously assigned. The observation of two nonequivalent Acm groups and the observation of only 10 NH-CH cross-peaks in the TOCSY and COSY spectra of [99TcO] apcitide (NH-CH cross-peaks were absent for Gly11-Gly12-Cys13), compared to all 13 cross-peaks found in apcitide, provided compelling evidence to support the 99Tc binding to the terminal Gly11-Gly12-Cys13 region of apcitide.

The [99mTc(N)(PNP)]2+ Metal Fragment: A Technetium-Nitrido Synthon for Use with Biologically Active Molecules. The N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)piperazyl-cysteine Analogues as Examples

The incorporation of a bioactive molecule into a nitrido-containing (99m)Tc-complex has been successfully achieved by using the [TcN(PNP)](2+) metal fragment. In this strategy, the strong electrophilic [TcN(PNP)](2+) metal fragment efficiently reacts with bifunctional chelating ligands having a pi-donor atom set, such as N-functionalized O,S-cysteine. The 2-methoxyphenylpiperazine (2-MPP) pharmacophore, which displays preferential affinity for 5HT(1A) receptors, was conjugated to the amino group of cysteine to obtain 2-MPPP-cys-OS, where 2-MPPP is 3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propionate. The asymmetric Tc(V)-nitrido complexes, [(99g/99m)Tc(N)(PNP)(2-MPPP-cys-OS)] (PNP = PNP3, PNP4), were obtained in high yield (95%), by simultaneous addition of PNP and 2-MPPP-cys-OS ligand to a solution containing a starting (99g)/(99m)Tc-nitrido precursor. A mixture of syn and anti isomers was observed, the latter being the thermodynamically favored species. In vitro challenge experiments using the anti isomers with glutathione and cysteine indicated that no transchelation reaction occurs. Assessment of the in vitro 5HT(1A) receptor-affinity of the technetium complexes revealed that only the anti-PNP4 complex possesses some affinity for the receptor, but displayed negligible brain uptake in biodistribution studies in rats in vivo.

Synthesis and characterization of novel 99gTc(V) and Re(V) complexes with water-soluble tetraaza diamido dipyridino ligands: single-crystal X-ray structural investigations of mono- and dinuclear complexes

Rhenium and technetium are known for their useful applications in nuclear medicine with similar properties. In this study, new diamido dipyridino (N(4)) water-soluble ligands (2-C(5)H(4)NCH(2)NHCO)(2)CH(2), 1 (L(1)H2), (2-C(5)H(4)NNHNHCO)(2)CH(2), 2, and [2-C(5)H(4)N(+)(O)(-)CH(2)NHCO](2)CH(2), 3, were synthesized. Reaction of L(1)H2 with ReOCl(3)(PPh(3))(2) resulted in the novel six-coordinated rhenium(V) complex, trans-ReO(L(1))(OEt), 4. The complex was characterized by spectroscopic methods, and its X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that rhenium is coordinated to four nitrogen atoms of the ligand and to two oxygen atoms from the deprotonated ethanol and the oxo group respectively in a distorted octahedral geometry. In solution, complex 4 was transformed to a new complex 5, which was proved to be the dinuclear complex mu-oxo [ReO(L(1))](2)O. Reaction of 1 with [n-Bu(4)N][ReOCl(4)] resulted in the neutral complex 6, trans-[ReO(L(1))]Cl. Similarly, when ligand 1 was reacted with [n-Bu(4)N][(99g)TcOCl(4)], the neutral trans-[(99)TcO(L(1))]Cl complex 7 was formed, which upon dissolution transformed into a cationic complex 8, trans-[(99)TcO(L(1))(OH(2))](+)Cl(-). The single-crystal X-ray structure of 8 reveals that the coordination sphere about technetium is a distorted octahedron with four nitrogen atoms in the equitorial plane, while doubly bonded oxygen and coordinated water occupy the apical positions. Further dissolution of 8 resulted in the formation of dinuclear mu-oxo [TcO(L(1))](2)O, 9. This study shows that Tc and Re have similar metal core structures in solution for diamido dipyridino systems, besides similarity in geometrical structure, proved by the X-ray structures on the same ligands.

Synthesis and characterization of rhenium(V) oxo complexes with N-[N-(3-diphenylphosphinopropionyl)glycyl]cysteine methyl ester. X-ray crystal structure of (ReO[Ph(2)P(CH(2))(2)C(O)-Gly-Cys-OMe(P,N,N,S)])

The PN(2)S chelate N-[N-(3-diphenylphosphinopropionyl)glycyl]-S-tritylcysteine methyl ester [PN(2)S(Trt)-OMe] was synthesized and reacted with ReOCl(3)(PPh(3))(2) and Ph(4)P[ReOCl(4)]. The reactions of both tritylated and detritylated ligands with Re(V)O precursors gave two diastereomers, 9a and 9b, of the ReO(PN(2)S-OMe) complex. The two isomers, produced in a 1:1 molar ratio, are stable and do not interconvert. They were separated by reverse-phase HPLC and characterized by NMR, FT-IR, and UV-visible spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. X-ray analysis established for 9a the presence in the solid of the syn isomer. Compound 9a, C(21)H(23)N(2)O(5)PSRe, crystallized from warm acetonitrile in the triclinic space group Ponemacr;, a = 9.828(2) A, b = 11.163(2) A, c = 11.641(2) A, alpha = 106.48(3) degrees, beta = 109.06(3) degrees, gamma = 102.81(3) degrees, V = 1085.7(4) A(3), Z = 2. The PN(2)S coordination set is in the equatorial plane, and the complex shows a distorted square pyramidal coordination. The anti configuration assigned to 9b is consistent with all the available physicochemical data. Follow-up of the reaction of the detritylated ligand with Ph(4)P[ReOCl(4)] in ethanol or acetonitrile indicated that the phosphorus atom of the chelate binds first to the metal and that this bond acts as the driving force for coordination.

Evolution of Tc-99m in diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

The progress in diagnostic nuclear medicine over the years since the discovery of 99mTc is indeed phenomenal. Over 80% of the radiopharmaceuticals currently being used make use of this short-lived, metastable radionuclide, which has reigned as the workhorse of diagnostic nuclear medicine. The preeminence of 99mTc is attributable to its optimal nuclear properties of a short half-life and a gamma photon emission of 140 keV, which is suitable for high-efficiency detection and which results in low radiation exposure to the patient. 99mTcO4-, which is readily available as a column eluate from a 99Mo/99mTc generator, is reduced in the presence of chelating agents. The versatile chemistry of technetium emerging from the 8 possible oxidation states, along with a proper understanding of the structure-biologic activity relationship, has been exploited to yield a plethora of products meant for morphologic and functional imaging of different organs. This article reviews the evolution of 99mTc dating back to its discovery, the development of 99Mo/99mTc generators, and the efforts to exploit the diverse chemistry of the element to explore a spectrum of compounds for diagnostic imaging, planar, and single photon emission computed tomography. A brief outline of the 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals currently being used has been categorically presented according to the organs being imaged. Newer methods of labeling involving bifunctional chelating agents (which encompass the "3 + 1" ligand system, Tc(CO)3(+1)-containing chelates, hydrazinonicotinamide, water-soluble phosphines, and other Tc-carrying moieties) have added a new dimension for the preparation of novel technetium compounds. These developments in technetium chemistry have opened new avenues in the field of diagnostic imaging. These include fundamental aspects in the design and development of target-specific agents, including antibodies, peptides, steroids, and other small molecules that have specific receptor affinity.

Technetium(V) oxo complexes of substituted propylene diamine dioxime (PnAO) ligands: water-dependent interconversion between syn and anti isomers

99mTc and (99)Tc complexes of PnAO (propylene diamine dioxime) ligands monosubstituted in the 6-position [PnAO-6-R] were prepared and studied. Ligands substituted with an alkyl group or with no substituent (R = H, CH(3), or CH(2)CH(CH(3))(2)), gave only one Tc complex. However, for several other nonalkyl substituents (R = COOCH(3), OH, OCH(3), OCH(2)CH(3), F, CN, NHCOCH(3), and NHCOCH(2)CH(3)), two Tc complexes A and B were formed. Products A and B were assigned to the anti and syn TcO(PnAO-6-R) species, respectively, based on (1)H NMR results. X-ray structure analyses supported these assignments. The A (anti) isomer of TcO(PnAO-6-OH) had the chemical formula TcC(13)H(25)N(4)O(4) and crystallized in an orthorhombic system with space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and Z = 4; a = 12.744(2) A, b = 13.591(2) A, c = 9.976(2) A. The B (syn) isomer of TcO(PnAO-6-CN) had the chemical formula TcC(14)H(24)N(5)O(3) and was a 1:4 mixture of two monoclinic polymorphs: individual rectangular prisms (space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4) and clusters of intergrown twinned rectangular rods (space group Cc, Z = 8). For the prisms, a = 12.457(1) A, b = 13.932(1) A, c = 10.336(1) A, and for the rods, a = 31.344(5) A, b = 6.993(1) A, c = 21.657(2) A. The syn and anti isomers interconverted in the presence of water; nonequilibrium mixtures of epimers remained unchanged under dry conditions. The HPLC behavior under reversed phase conditions was consistent with on-column interconversion (poor resolution), whereas the two isomers were cleanly resolved under drier normal phase conditions. An oxo inversion mechanism involving trans water attack is proposed for the interconversion process. Water also influenced the position of equilibrium of the two isomers. The syn isomer was stabilized in water relative to the anti isomer.

A solid-phase technique for preparation of no-carrier-added technetium-99m radiopharmaceuticals: application to the streptavidin/biotin system

A high effective specific activity (HESA) formulation of a biotin-containing (99m)Tc ligand [RP488: dimethyl-Gly-Ser-Cys(Acm)-Lys(Biotin)-Gly] conveniently prepared from solid phase was compared to a typical low effective specific activity (LESA) solution formulation to demonstrate improved targeting to streptavidin in an in vitro assay and in an in vivo rat model. RP488 was coupled to a maleimide-functionalized polyethylene glycol resin via a thiol ether linkage and labeled with (99m)Tc-gluconate at room temperature, followed by elution of the HESA (99m)Tc-RP488 in saline (minimum specific activity approximately 1000 TBq/mmol by amino acid analysis). Both HESA and LESA (99m)Tc-RP488 labeled at > 90% purity. In vitro, HESA (99m)Tc-RP488 incubated with streptavidin-agarose was bound quantitatively, but there was competition from addition of increasing amounts of cold RP488. In rats, radiotracer uptake was evident at the site of implantation of streptavidin-agarose beads for the HESA dose, less uptake of low effective specific activity (LESA) material, and no appreciable uptake in the control rats of the LESA or HESA dose. The target-to-background ratio for HESA (99m)Tc-RP488 was 5.4 times that of the control. The solid-phase technology offers a convenient way to prepare high specific activity receptor-targeting (99m)Tc radiopharmaceuticals.

The syntheses and structures of '3+2' and '2+2+1' oxorhenium mixed-ligand complexes employing 8-hydroxy-5-nitroquinoline as the bidentate N,O donor ligand

The syntheses and structural characterizations of a series of novel '3+2' and '2+2+1' mixed-ligand complexes carrying 8-hydroxy-5-nitroquinoline (HL) as the bidentate N,O donor atom system are reported. Thus one-pot reactions of [ReOCl(3)(PPh(3))(2)] with dianionic tridentate ligands H(2)L(n) (where H(2)L(1)=HOC(6)H(4)-2-CH=NC(6)H(4)-2-OH; H(2)L(2)=HOC(6)H(4)-2-CH=N-C(6)H(4)-2-SH; H(2)L(3)=HOC(6)H(4)-2-CH=NN=C(NHC(6)H(5))-SH; H(2)L(4)=2-CH(2)OH-C(5)H(3)N-6-CH(2)SH; and H(2)L(5)=2-CO(2)H-C(5)H(3)N-6-CO(2)H) and HL afforded a series of '3+2' oxorhenium complexes of the type [ReO(H(2)L(n))(L)] 2-6, which exhibit distorted octahedral geometries. Crystals of 1 are monoclinic space group C2/c, a=16.702(1), b=14.275(1), c=22.363(2) A, beta=108.083(1) degrees V=5068.2(7) A(beta) and Z=8; those of 2 are monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a=8.5093(4) b=38.518(2), c=11.6092(5) A, beta=97.708(1) degrees , V=3770.7(3) A(3) and Z=8; those of 5 are triclinic, space group P1-, a=7.5899(8), b=10.322(1), c=11.905(1) A, alpha=78.636(2) degrees , beta=74.229(2) degrees , gamma=71.391(2) degrees , V=844.3(2) A(3), and Z=2. Upon reaction of 2,6-pyridinedimethanol (H(2)L(6)) with the intermediate complex [ReOCl(2)(L)(PPh(3))] (1), only one of the two methylene hydroxy group was deprotonated and a new '2+2+1' complex [ReO(OCH(3))(HL(6))(L)].CH(3)OH (7) was obtained. Crystal data for 7: monoclinic P2(1)/n, a=12.0579(6), b=11.0993(6), c=14.9262(8) A, beta=107.872(1) degrees , V=1901.2(2) A(3), and Z=8. In the preparation of complex 3, cleavage of the C=N bond of the Schiff base H(2)L(2) was observed and the '2+2+1' complex 8 [ReO(PPh(3))(eta(2)-NHC(6)H(4)-2-S)(L)].CH(2)Cl(2) having 2-aminothiophenol as a dianionic bidentate ligand was isolated. Crystals of 8 are monoclinic space group C2/c, a=25.627(2), b=8.1305(6) c=31.404(2) A beta=96.147(1) degrees , V=6505.7(8) A(3), and Z=8. Reduction of HL to 8-hydroxy-5-aminoquinoline was realized during the formation of complex 6, and a new complex 9 was thus isolated involving the coordination of two sets of N,O donor atoms from L and 8-hydroxy-5-aminoquinoline while a methoxy oxygen atom completes the octahedral coordination geometry. Crystals of 9 are monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a=7.5330(6), b=15.095(1), c=16.394(1) A, beta=99.690(2) degrees , V=1837.7(3) A(3), and Z=4.

Chemistry of the rhenium-azopyridine family: an oxo parent and derivatives thereof including a novel oxo-imido dimer

The concerned azo ligands are 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (HL) and 2-((p-chlorophenyl)azo)pyridine (ClL). The reaction of KReO4 with HL in hot concentrated HCl is attended with metal reduction and ligand chlorination affording the oxo complex ReVOCl3(ClL), 2, which furnishes ReIII(OPPh3)Cl3(ClL), 3, upon treatment with PPh3. Aromatic amines, ArNH2, convert 2 to the imido complex ReV(NAr)Cl3(ClL), 5, and the unusual oxo-imido dimer (ClL)-Cl2(O)ReVOReV(NAr)Cl2(ClL), 7. The complex ReIII(OPPh3)Cl3(HL), 4, has been generated from ReVOCl3(PPh3)2 and HL. Reaction of 4 with HL has yielded ReV(NPh)Cl3(HL), 6, via azo splitting. The complexes have been characterized with the help spectral, magnetic, and X-ray structural data (2, 3, 5c (Ar = pClC6H4) and 7.CH2Cl2 (Ar = pMeC6H4)). In 2, 3, and 5c the ReCl3 fragment is meridionally disposed, and in 7 the ReCl2 fragments have a trans configuration. The Re-O(oxo) bond, 1.663(6) A, in 2 and Re-N(imido) bond, 1.719(5) A, in 5c are triple bonds. The corresponding bonds are slightly longer in 7 wherein the (O)Re(1)-O(2)-Re(2)(NAr) bridge is angular (151.0(5) degrees) and unsymmetrical, the Re(1)-O(2) bond, 1.849(7) A, having a large double-bond character (Re(2)-O(2), 1.954(7) A). In effect, cis-ReVO2 acts as a monodentate oxygen ligand toward ReVNAr in 7. In all cases the pyridine nitrogen binds trans to the oxo, OPPh3, or NAr donor. Bond length data are consistent with the presence of substantial d(Re)-pi*(azo) back-bonding. In acetonitrile solution the complexes display electrochemical one-electron metal (ReVI/ReV or ReIV/ReIII) and azo redox. The imido ligand in 5 stabilizes the ReVI state (E1/2 approximately 1.4 V) better than the oxo ligand in 2 (approximately 1.9 V). Parallely it is more difficult to reduce the azo group in 5 (approximately -0.4 V) than in 2 (approximately 0.0 V). In 7 the metal (approximately 1.0 V) and azo (approximately -0.4 V) couples correspond to the imido and oxo halves, respectively. The significantly higher (by 0.2-0.6 V) metal reduction potentials of the azopyridine compared to pyridine-2-aldimine complexes is ascribed to the superior pi-acidity and electron-withdrawing character of the azo function relative to the aldimine function. This also makes the transfer of the ReVO oxygen function much more facile under azopyridine chelation as in 2. For the same reason, ReOCl3(PPh3)2 reacts with HL affording only 4 while it reacts with pyridine-2-aldimines furnishing oxo species. Crystal data for the complexes are as follows: 2, empirical formula C11H8Cl4N3ORe, crystal system triclinic, space group P1, a = 7.118(4) A, b = 8.537(4) A, c = 13.231(9) A, alpha = 79.16(5) degrees, beta = 78.03(5) degrees, gamma = 70.96(4) degrees, V = 737.2(7) A3, Z = 2; 3, empirical formula C29H23Cl4N3OPRe, crystal system monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.264(2) A, b = 15.221(3) A, c = 17.628(4) A, beta = 94.21(3) degrees, V = 3014(1) A3, Z = 4; 5c, empirical formula C17H12Cl5N4Re, crystal system triclinic, space group P1, a = 9.683(3) A, b = 10.898(3) A, c = 11.522(3) A, alpha = 63.67(2) degrees, beta = 71.24(2) degrees, gamma = 86.79(2) degrees, V = 1026(1) A3, Z = 2; 7.CH2Cl2, empirical formula C30H25Cl8N7O2Re2, crystal system triclinic, space group P1, a = 12.522(6) A, b = 12.857(8) A, c = 13.182(7) A, alpha = 67.75(4) degrees, beta = 88.30(4) degrees, gamma = 82.09(4) degrees, V = 1945(2) A3, Z = 2.