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Introduction: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) has been shown previously to be aberrantly expressed in a high proportion of paediatric precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (pre-B ALL), suggesting a potential oncogenic role in this tumour type. We therefore assessed CTGF mRNA transcript diversity in B-lineage ALL using primary patient specimens and cell lines., Methods: CTGF mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and Northern blotting. We performed a structural analysis of CTGF mRNA by nested reverse-transcriptase PCR and examined CTGF protein diversity by immunoblotting., Results: Northern blot analysis of pre-B ALL cell lines revealed short CTGF transcripts that were expressed in association with the active phase of cellular growth. Structural analysis confirmed the synthesis of several novel CTGF mRNA isoforms in B-lineage ALL cell lines that were uniformly characterised by the retention of the coding sequence for the C-terminal (CT) domain. One of these novel spliceforms was expressed in a majority (70%) of primary pre-B ALL patient specimens positive for canonical CTGF mRNA. Evidence that these alternative transcripts have coding potential was provided by cryptic CTGF proteins of predicted size detected by immunoblotting., Conclusion: This study identifies for the first time alternative splicing of the CTGF gene and shows that a short CTGF splice variant associated with cell proliferation is expressed in most cases of primary CTGF-positive pre-B ALL. This novel variant encoding only the CT domain may play a role in pre-B ALL tumorigenesis and/or progression., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are among the most important drugs for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Cell lines cultured in high GC concentrations typically contain mutated glucocorticoid receptor (GR), something that is rarely found in primary ALL specimens. We studied naturally occurring mechanisms of GC resistance and examined sensitivity to GC in 15 T-ALL cell lines grown without prior exposure to drugs. Resistance could not be attributed to mutations in GR or variations in levels of its expression. We conclude that this panel of cell lines provides a suitable in vitro model since it reflects GC resistance in primary ALL.

The purpose of the present experiment was to examine the effects of acute and repeated intravenous (IV) cocaine on rat behavior in the home cage environment. An observational sampling method was used. Pair-housed, male, female, castrated (CAST), and ovariectomized (OVX) rats were administered daily IV cocaine injections (3.0 mg/kg/injection) in the home cage for 13 consecutive days, and observations occurred after the 1st and 13th injections. The incidence, i.e., occurrence or nonoccurrence of a behavior, was recorded according to a behavioral profile comprised of 11 behaviors. Data were analyzed as locomotor composite and orofacial composite scores. Behaviors not amenable for combination into a composite incidence score were evaluated independently (e.g., still behavior). Females exhibited more locomotor incidence scores than males following acute injection and more still behavior after repeated cocaine administration. Females exhibited more locomotor activity than OVX rats following acute, but not repeated, cocaine injection. There were no differences between the male and CAST rats on days 1 or 13. CAST rats exhibited more still behavior than OVX following only acute cocaine administration. This study indicates that IV cocaine-induced sex differences and the effects of gonadectomy can be measured in the home cage, and furthermore, describes a simple method to screen changes in cocaine-induced locomotor behaviors in the absence of automated equipment.

Cocaine use during pregnancy is affiliated with neurobehavioral abnormalities in offspring that are associated with problems of attention. Given the putative role of the noradrenergic system in attentional processes, impairments in the noradrenergic system may underlie specific attentionally sensitive, neurobehavioral alterations. Recent data using a clinically relevant intravenous (iv) route of administration show that the norepinephrine cell bodies of the locus coeruleus (LC) are a primary target for in utero cocaine exposure. Cell survival and neurite outgrowth of LC neurons were studied using two paradigms: (1) in vitro, using a physiologically relevant concentration of cocaine, and (2) in vivo, using a clinically relevant intravenous rat model. Fetal cocaine exposure significantly decreased neuronal survival (in vitro: P=.0001, n=24; in vivo: P=.0337, n=30), reduced neurite initiation (in vitro: P=.001, n=24; in vivo: P=.0169, n=30), decreased the number of neurites elaborated (in vivo: P=.0031, n=30), and reduced total neurite length (in vivo: P=.0237, n=30). The results of this novel approach toward an understanding of noradrenergic neurons as they respond to cocaine during development suggest that cocaine may affect behavior by negatively regulating neuronal pathfinding and synaptic connectivity.

Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) are zinc dependent endopeptidases which, once internalised into the neuronal cytosol, block neurotransmission by proteolysis of membrane-associated proteins putatively involved in synaptic vesicle docking and fusion with the plasma membrane. Although many studies have used a variety of cellular systems to study the neurotoxins, most require relatively large amounts of toxin or permeabilisation to internalise the neurotoxin. We present here a primary culture of embryonic rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons that exhibits calcium-dependent substance P secretion when depolarised with elevated extracellular potassium and is naturally BoNT sensitive. The DRG neurons showed a different IC50 for each of the toxins tested with a 1000 fold difference between the most and least potent neurotoxins (0.05, 0.3, 30 and approximately 60 nM for A, C, F and B, respectively). BoNT/A cleavage of SNAP-25 was seen as early as 2 h, but substance P secretion was not significantly inhibited until 4 h intoxication and the effects of BoNT/A were observed for as long as 15 days. This primary neuronal culture system represents a new and sensitive cellular model for the in vitro study of the botulinum neurotoxins.

Radiolabeling of the somatostatin analog octreotide was attempted with p-[18F]fluorophenacyl bromide ([18F]FPB). Following these unsuccessful trials, the reactivity of FPB was studied using benzyl mercaptan, phenyl acetic acid, benzyl alcohol, and benzyl amine as model compounds for amino acid functional groups. Structure and purity of products, relative reactivity of FPB in competition reactions, and radiolabeling experiments are described. In addition, improvement in labeling efficiency of HSA using [18F]FPB was achieved by pretreatment with 2-iminothiolane.

Despite the wealth of experimental data on cocaine abuse, there are no published dose-response pharmacokinetic studies with bolus i.v. cocaine injection in the male rat. The present study examined the pharmacokinetics of arterial plasma concentrations of cocaine and metabolite profile [benzoylecgonine (BE), ecgonine methyl ester (EME), norcocaine (NC)] following a single i.v. injection of 0.5, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg cocaine. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 25) were anesthetized and surgically instrumented with both jugular vein (drug administration) and carotid artery (blood withdrawal) catheters and allowed to recover for at least 24 h. Arterial plasma samples (200 microliters) were obtained at eight time points (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 10, 20, 30 min) following i.v. bolus injection (15-s injection, 15-s flush) and analyzed by single ion monitoring using GC/MS. Nonlinear regression and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis were employed. Mean +/- SEM peak plasma concentrations of cocaine occurred at 30 s in a dose-response manner (370 +/- 14,755 +/- 119,2553 +/- 898 ng/ml for 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg groups, respectively). T1/2 alpha was < 1 min for all groups, but inversely related to dose. T1/2 beta was independent of dose 13.3 +/- 1.6, 13.0 +/- 1.5, and 12.0 +/- 2.0 min for 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg groups, respectively). MRT (16.0, 15.9, 14.5 min), VdSS (3.3, 3.2, and 2.8 l/kg), and ClTOT (204, 201, and 195 ml/min/kg) also provided little evidence of dose-dependent effects. Although the metabolic profile of i.v. cocaine was similarly ordered for all dose groups (BE > EME > NC), a quantitative shift in metabolite profile was evident as a function of increasing dose. This metabolic shift, perhaps attributable to saturation of plasma and liver esterases, suggests that the recently reported pharmacodynamic effects positively correlated with i.v. cocaine dose are unlikely attributable to NC, a minor but pharmacologically active metabolite. In sum, the i.v. pharmacokinetic profile in rats is distinct from that observed via the SC, IP, and PO routes of administration and offers the potential to provide a reasonable clinically relevant rodent model.

Since the social and political revolutions of 1989 and the years that followed the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CCEE) have undergone radical changes in their health care systems, and among the most radical of these has been the restructuring and reorganisation of the psychiatric nurse training and education, with a weather eye to the potential of mental health demands that may result from the socio-economic turmoil. This paper, much of which was compiled while on secondment to the WHO, attempts to give a brief overview of the main policy developments in selected countries and to place them within a philosophical, social and pedagogical context. It cannot escape notice that the way in which countries choose to educate their nurses and what they can be expected to achieve in their work, reflects a more global understanding of mental health--and that may be why we should all learn from this experience.

Because [15O]butanol is the radiopharmaceutical of choice for PET studies of cerebral perfusion and neurological activation, we have developed a microprocessor-controlled radiosynthetic system for the preparation of this radiotracer in up to ten batches at a time. An IBM-compatible minicomputer was programmed to direct the reaction of molecular [15O]oxygen with tri-(n-butyl)borane bound to alumina, followed by purification of product [15O]butanol via solid phase extraction with C18 Sep-Paks and sterile filtration. Routine batch yields of over 150 mCi were achieved with a preparation turn-around time of 6.0 min. The final product had high radiochemical purity, low chemical impurity, and was sterile and apyrogenic. This radiopharmaceutical production system is reliable and suitable for tracer production in clinical PET imaging centers.

A modified synthesis of [18F]fluoromisonidazole is reported which makes use of microwave heating to reduce the synthesis time to ca 70 min from EOB. A remote system for column purification, concentration and delivery to an HPLC syringe, which reduces the total absorbed dose to the operator, is also described.

An improved synthesis of 1-[11C]D-glucose is described. The major improvement is achieved when a 0.033 M borate buffer at pH 8.1 is used to effect the condensation of d-arabinose with NH4(11)CN. Subsequent reduction of the 1-[11C]D-aldonitriles gives the epimeric sugars 1-[11C]D-glucose and 1-[11C]D-mannose in a ratio of 1.8 +/- 0.57 as the major products. The decay corrected radiochemical yield is about 30% for the mixture of sugars. The overall synthesis, starting with the production of NH4(11)CN, is conducted in a dedicated remote system. The remote gantry was easy to build with commercially available valves and glassware, and has been practically trouble-free after more than 2 years of use. Improved purification and quality control of the final product uses ion chromatography and a more efficient resin, and is also described. A preliminary PET study on a macaque has been conducted using 1-[11C]D-glucose obtained with this new improved synthesis.

THM2BED [N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)ethylenediamine] is a new hexadentate ligand which has been synthesized and complexed with gallium isotopes. A conditional stability constant of 22.3 and a pM value of 20.7 have been determined for GaTHM2BED at physiological pH. Hexachelated and pentachelated complexes of GaTHM2BED have been isolated via preparatory HPLC and evaluated individually. The hexachelated isomer of 68GaTHM2BED clears slowly from the myocardium of rats and at 1 h post-injection the heart-to-blood ratio is 1.65. The data ratio indicates that this radiotracer may be capable of measuring blood flow in the heart. The ability of 68GaTHM2BED to delineate myocardial tissue in a dog has been evaluated and good images were obtained using hexachelated 68GaTHM2BED. There is evidence that this complex penetrates the blood-brain barrier.

We have prepared eight fluorine-substituted corticosteroids representing ligands selective for Type I and Type II corticosteroid receptor subtypes as potential imaging agents for corticosteroid receptor-containing regions of the brain. Receptor binding affinity assays show that fluorine substitution for hydroxyl or hydrogen in these steroids generally results in some reduction in affinity, with the result that the absolute affinity of these fluorine-substituted ligands for receptor is less than that typical for steroid hormones that show receptor-based, target selective uptake in vivo. Five of these compounds were prepared in fluorine-18 labeled form by a simple sulfonate ester displacement reaction, and their tissue distribution was studied in the adrenalectomized rat. There is no selective accumulation nor selective retention of the Type I selective corticosteroids (18F-RU 26752, 21-[18F]fluoroprogesterone, 21-[18F]fluoro-11 beta-hydroxyprogesterone) in either the brain, or other target tissues (pituitary, kidney, liver). The Type II selective corticosteroids (18F-RU 28362, 18F-triamcinolone acetonide) show uptake into the hippocampus which can be partially blocked by a competing ligand; in target tissues outside the brain, the blocking is more complete. All of the 18F-labeled compounds show considerable defluorination, evident as high bone activity levels. These results, coupled with earlier findings in the literature, suggest that radiolabeled corticosteroid receptor ligands with both greater metabolic stability and higher receptor binding affinity and selectivity are needed for imaging corticosteroid receptors in the hippocampus.

We have prepared and studied six new analogs of 16 alpha-fluoroestradiol (FES): 17 alpha- and 17 beta-ethynyl-FES (7 [FEES] and 7a), and the 11 beta-ethyl (8 and 8a) and 11 beta-methoxy (9 and 9a) derivatives, novel estrogen receptor-based PET imaging agents. The relative binding affinity (RBA) for the estrogen receptor (ER) versus FES is increased for 7, 9 and 9a but decreased for 7a, 8 and 8a. All six analogs have been labeled in the 16 alpha position with 18F by the nucleophilic displacement of the corresponding 16 beta-trifluoromethanesulfonate with nBu4N18F. Subsequent ethynylation with lithium trimethylsilylacetylide yielded the FEES analogs (total synthesis time: 120 min; effective specific activity: 200-2400 Ci/mmol). Selective uptake in the uterus was high for [18F]7, [18F]8, [18F]9 and [18F]9a (% ID/g values at 1 h: 11.2, 12.9, 9.9 and 8.3, respectively), while uptake was effectively blocked by coinjection of an excess of unlabeled estradiol. The FEES analogs, [18F]7, [18F]8 and [18F]9, exhibited the highest selectivity, in terms of target (uterus)-to-blood ratios, ever seen amongst estrogen radiopharmaceuticals, 154, 145 and 169, respectively. The analogs [18F]7a and [18F]8a displayed no uptake in the uterus, consistent with their low RBAs. Metabolism studies revealed that most of the uterine activity is unmetabolized while the blood exhibits a rapid and subsequently sustained mixture of metabolites. The muscle shows a metabolic profile intermediate to the uterus and blood. These analogs provide an array of desirable characteristics for the optimal PET imaging of ER-rich target tissues.

Two 18F-labeled analogues of dexetimides, 2-[18F]fluorodexetimide (2-FDEX) and 4-[18F]fluorodexetimide (4-FDEX), were prepared and evaluated in vivo as possible agents for the study of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) with PET. Two synthetic approaches, a 2-step reductive alkylation procedure and a 4-step alkylation approach, were investigated. The alkylation approach with higher overall radiochemical yields was used to prepare 2- and 4-FDEX for biodistribution studies. The overall synthesis time for both compounds was 2.5 h and the overall radiochemical yield at end-of-synthesis was 12%. The specific activity was found to be greater than 600 mCi/mumol. Biodistribution studies of 2-FDEX in rats produced striatum-to-cerebellum and cortex-to-cerebellum ratios of 8.6 +/- 1.1 and 8.4 +/- 1.0 at 1 h after injection, and 12.1 +/- 2.1 and 10.7 +/- 2.2 at 3 h, respectively. Substantial radioactivity detected in bone indicated the in vivo defluorination of 2-FDEX. The striatum-to-cerebellum ratio for 4-FDEX was slightly lower at 1 h (5.9 +/- 0.9) but equally high at 3 h (12.3 +/- 2.0) when compared to 2-FDEX, and there was little bone uptake. The uptake of both 2-FDEX and 4-FDEX into mAChR rich brain regions (e.g. striatum, cortex) was blocked by a dose of dexetimide (5 mg/kg). Our results suggest 4-FDEX is a potential PET agent for study mAChR in vivo.

Copper-PTSM has been shown in previous studies to act as a fluid microsphere and to be useful in quantitating blood flow in brain, myocardium, and kidneys. In this study we have evaluated this agent as a PET tumor blood flow agent. 64Cu- or 67Cu-labeled Cu-PTSM was administered (i.v.) to Golden Syrian hamsters with colorectal carcinoma cell implants (GW39). One minute prior to sacrifice (10-60 min after Cu-PTSM was administered) 125I-iodoantipyrine (125I-IAP), an agent known to measure tumor blood flow, was administered intravenously by a 3-stage, 1 min ramp infusion. Following sacrifice, samples of tumor and brain were removed (within 40s) and the tumor and brain levels of Cu-PTSM and iodoantipyrine determined. Since the brain uptake of both Cu-PTSM and IAP is perfusion rate limited, the brain was used as a reference organ to normalize tumor levels of the two tracers. The plot of Cu-PTSM versus 125I-IAP tumor/brain ratios showed a good linear correlation (r value of 0.97), suggesting that Cu-PTSM could be used to quantify tumor blood flow. Since the mechanism of Cu-PTSM trapping is likely to be due to glutathione levels in the tissue, and because tumor tissue glutathione levels might vary, the temporal uptake of Cu-PTSM was investigated by PET imaging both the tumor-bearing hamsters and approximately 300 g Copenhagen rats bearing R3227 prostate tumors. The tumors were clearly visualized and the retained copper radioactivity in the tumor was constant over the 30 min imaging period.

TMPHPG (N,N'-trimethylenebis[2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)glycine]) is a derivative of the ligand EHPG (ethylenebis[2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)glycine]) but is more lipophilic and had been synthesized to increase hepatobiliary clearance. 59Fe(III), 68Ga(III) and 111In(III) complexes of this ligand have been investigated as potential imaging agents for MRI, PET and SPECT, respectively. Metal-dependent differences in blood and liver clearance in mature rats have been evaluated.

Although monoclonal antibodies have been radiolabeled with many different radionuclides, the application of positron emission tomography (PET) to the imaging of radiolabeled antibodies has been limited to the investigation of a small number of long-lived radionuclides. In this study, we labeled F(ab')2 fragments of a mouse monoclonal antibody (BB5-G1) specific for a human parathyroid surface antigen with the positron emitting radionuclides, gallium-68 and fluorine-18. The biodistribution of the fragments was evaluated in a nude mice model and the results were compared to those obtained with fragments labeled with iodine-125 and indium-111 using conventional labeling techniques. All labeled fragments bound to human parathyroid tissue implanted in nude mice, with parathyroid-to-muscle ratios reaching as high as 10:1, 4 h after administration. A major difference was observed in the uptake and clearance of the various labeled fragments through the kidney. The halogen activity cleared, but the metal radioactivity was retained in the kidney. The results indicate that the fluorine-18 or gallium-68 labeled fragment may be useful for parathyroid imaging with positron emission tomography.

Three new multidentate ligands designed to have high affinity for Ga3+, In3+ and Fe3+ have been synthesized. N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N'-pyridoxylethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBPLED), N-(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-N'-(3-hydroxy-1,2,5-trimethyl-4- pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (Me4HBPLED) and N,N'-bis(3-hydroxy-1,2,5-trimethyl-4-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (DMPLED). These ligands give metal-ligand (M-L) complexes with (M = Ga3+, In3+, Fe3+) overall charges of -1.0 and +1, respectively. The 67Ga, 68Ga and 111In complexes of each of the three ligands and the 59Fe complex of Me4HBPLED were prepared, characterized and their biodistributions determined in rats after intravenous injection. Despite the differences in overall charge, the biological behavior of all three 111In complexes were similar, in that the radioactivity cleared rapidly via the kidney. The biodistributions of the 68Ga and 67Ga complexes were comparable to that of the 111In complex counterpart. Also, the 59Fe-Me4HBPLED biodistribution was not significantly different from those of the 68Ga- and 111In-Me4HBPLED. The renal clearance rate seems insensitive to the overall M-L charge; suggesting that the hydrophilic periphery of the ligand rather than the overall molecular charge determines the biological fate (with respect to renal clearance).

A new procedure for labeling alkylbenzenes with no-carrier-added (nca) [18F]fluoride is reported. This will allow the use of [18F]-for-nitro aromatic nucleophilic displacement reaction for labeling aromatic compounds with no activating groups on the benzene ring. The new procedure involves (A) the [18F]-for-nitro displacement reaction on nitrophenones, and (B) the reduction of [18F]fluorophenones with triethylsilane and trifluoroacetic acid to alkylfluorobenzenes. The desired 18F-labeled alkylbenzenes were prepared in a synthesis time of 1 h with a radiochemical yield of 20% at end-of-synthesis. The procedure has been successfully applied to the synthesis of 18F-labeled alkylating agents, such as 4-[18F]fluorophenethyl bromide, 4, and 4-[18F]fluorophenbutyl chloride, 5. Using the reaction of piperidine and 4 as a model, the potential use of phenethylbromide 4 for labeling biologically important amines was examined. Initial results indicated that the desired alkylated piperidine was formed in low yields (less than 5%) due to the conversion of halide 4 to [18F]fluorostyrene (greater than 85%) under basic conditions. The new procedure provides an easy method of labeling alkylbenzenes with fluorine-18.

BB5-G1, a monoclonal antibody specific for human parathyroid cell membrane antigen was conjugated with two new ligands, BrMe2HBED and Br phi HBED and radiolabeled with 111In. We have compared the biodistribution of 111In-labeled BB5 using the new ligands to conventionally labeled (125I-labeled and 111In-DTPA-labeled) BB5 in a nude mouse model. Both 111In-BrMe2HBED-BB5 and 111In-Br phi HBED-BB5 attained high parathyroid-to-blood and parathyroid-to-muscle ratios by 72-96 h. 111In-Br phi HBED-BB5 showed lower %ID/g than 111In-BrMe2HBED-BB5 in the clearance organs, the liver and kidney; renal activity had cleared significantly by 120 h. This work suggests that 111In-Br phi HBED-BB5 offers improved in vitro behavior and may be useful as a radiopharmaceutical for localizing parathyroid tissue.

Because of the high uptake of polyamines by the prostate and by prostate derived tumors, polyamines have been considered as potential imaging agents for metastatic prostate cancer. We now report the successful PET imaging of the Dunning R3327H prostatic carcinoma with N-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)putrescine (FPP), a positron-labeled putrescine analog. Additionally, the biodistribution of FPP in tumor bearing Copenhagen male rats is analyzed. The tumor uptake of FPP was high, and the tumor-to-muscle ratios at 1, 2, 3 and 4.5 h post-injection were 7.2 +/- 1.0, 5.61 +/- 1.65, 4.62 +/- 0.21 and 3.51 +/- 0.91 respectively. The estimated radiation dose for FPP was calculated from rat biodistribution data. The radiation dose estimates suggest that the critical organ, following the administration of FPP, is the upper large intenstine which receives 0.3 rad/mCi administered.

The kappa type-specific opioid, U-50488 7, was selected as a parent compound for the synthesis of an 18F-labeled analog suitable for imaging kappa opioid receptors with positron emission tomography (PET). The N-normethyl U-50488 analog 5 was synthesized as a precursor for fluoroalkylation, but it was found to be too unreactive for this technique. Instead, the desired N-fluoroalkyl analogs 10, 11 were made by alkylation of trans-diaminocyclohexane precursor 4 with subsequent acylation. The in vitro binding affinity (Ki) of these fluorinated ligands for the kappa opioid receptor is reduced two orders of magnitude relative to U-50488. The decrease in binding affinity caused by the fluoroalkyl substitution renders these new analogs inappropriate for PET studies.

We have studied three new fluorine-substituted progestins (1-3) as potential imaging agents for progesterone receptor (PgR)-positive human breast tumors. Two of these are fluorine-substituted analogs of the potent progestin R5020 (promegestone), derived from (21S)-hydroxy R 5020 (RU 27987) and (21R)-hydroxy R 5020 (RU 27988), known metabolites of R 5020, which have affinities for PgR that are 116 and 4%, respectively (relative to R 5020 = 100%). These precursors were protected as their 3,3-dioxolane derivatives and converted to the 21-trifluoromethanesulfonate derivatives. Fluoride ion displacement, followed by acid-catalyzed deprotection, furnished in good yield the epimeric fluoroanalogs, (21S)- and (21R)-fluro R 5020 (1 and 2, affinities for PgR, 11 and 45%, respectively). These compounds were also prepared in 18F labeled form by the same route, in 14-32% overall radiochemical yield (decay corrected; synthesis time 90 min; sp. act. 370-1060 Ci/mmol). In tissue distribution studies in estrogen-primed immature rats, uterus-to-muscle ratios were 4.3 at 1 h for the 21S-epimer and 1.1 for the 21R-epimer, paralleling their relative binding affinities. Considerable metabolic defluorination was observed. The third fluorine-substituted progestin, DU 41165, has a novel retroprogesterone (9 beta, 10 alpha) structure, substituted with fluorine at C-6; its binding affinity is 145% relative to R 5020, and it was prepared in tritium-labeled form by acetylation of DU 41231, the 17 alpha-hydroxy precursor, with [3H]acetic anhydride. In estrogen-primed immature rats, this compound shows uterus-to-muscle ratios of 15 at 1 h, and 18-71 between 2 and 6 h, suggesting that compounds in this retroprogesterone series may be very promising candidates for selective imaging of PgR-positive tissues and tumors.

The multi-millicurie production of the SPECT radiopharmaceutical N,N,N'-trimethyl-N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-[123I] iodobenzyl)-1,3-propanediamine [( 123I]HIPDM) in high specific activity is described. Using no-carrier-added electrophilic iododeprotonation reactions and HPLC purification, [123I]HIPDM can be isolated in 70-76% radiochemical yield and specific activity greater than 2000 Ci/mmol within an overal preparation time of 75 min. This methodology is readily adapted to the clinical setting, and eliminates the need for co-injection of macroscopic HIPDM in SPECT imaging procedures.

To examine the relationship between blood levels of 16 alpha-[18F]fluoro-17 beta-estradiol(18F-ES) and serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) concentration, we undertook a study in which serum from various aged (20-33 days old) Sprague-Dawley female rats injected with 18F-ES was analyzed for both blood activity levels and AFP. There is a strong positive correlation between serum AFP concentration and 18F-ES blood levels (r = 0.914, P less than 0.001), suggesting that the binding of 18F-ES by AFP has a significant effect on blood activity levels. The AFP concentration and ultimately the AFP-18F-ES binding is dependent on the age and weight of the rat: younger, as well as low weight rats exhibited high AFP concentrations and consequently increased 18F-ES blood activity. The rats most suitable for comparative studying of labeled estrogens are 25-28 days of age and weigh a minimum of 50-55 g. Thus, the use of the immature rat model to compare labeled estrogens requires a careful consideration of possible interference from blood binding proteins (i.e. AFP), as well as potential receptor binding competition from endogenous estrogens produced during the estrous cycle. Comparable consideration of blood binding proteins (sex steroid binding protein, SBP) and endogenous estrogens must be made in human studies, as well.

The high yield, high-specific activity radiosynthesis of the dopaminergic D-1 receptor-binding ligand [123I]SCH 23982 is described. Using no-carrier-added iododeprotonation of the des-iodo precursor SKF 83692 and column-switching HPLC, [123I]SCH 23982 was isolated in 35-40% radiochemical yield with an effective specific activity of 2250-4000 Ci/mmol and an overall preparation time of 90 min. The procedure outlined here can be employed for the clinical production of [123I]SCH 23982 as a SPECT radiopharmaceutical, as well as [125I]SCH 23982 to be used for in vitro receptor-binding applications.

The use of 3-bromopropyl-1-trifluoromethanesulfonate and 3-iodopropyl-1-trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflates) as precursors for 18F-labeling of a secondary amine is described. This simple two step procedure, [18F]fluoride triflate displacement followed by N-alkylation, has been optimized using N-nordiprenorphine as the model substrate. The highest radiochemical yields (85%) for the triflate displacement reaction were obtained in THF using n-Bu4 NOH as the base. In comparing the two triflates no differences in the yields for this step were observed. In contrast, the yields for the fluoroalkylation step were increased more than 75% by using 1-[18F]fluoro-3-iodopropane rather than 1-bromo-3-[18F]fluoropropane. The highest yields for this N-alkylation reaction (35%) were achieved in DMF using N,N-diisopropylethylamine as the base. For both steps the observed yields are strongly dependent on the relative concentrations of the major reactants.

A new radiolabeled analog of putrescine, 18F labeled 2-fluoroputrescine, has been prepared as a potential in vivo imaging agent for prostate and prostate derived tumors. The radiosynthesis yielded 1.5-4.5 mCi amounts of the 18F labeled putrescine analog (1-3% yields at end-of-synthesis), with specific activities ranging from 0.85-4.3 Ci/mmol, in a synthesis time of 2 h. The in vivo biodistribution in mature male rats showed considerable uptake by the bone, indicating defluorination of the compound. In animals pretreated with aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of diamine oxidase, the enzyme important in the metabolism of putrescine, defluorination was markedly reduced, but uptake by the prostate did not improve. These results suggest the need for development of a 18F labeled analog of putrescine which does not defluorinate in vivo, and which has biological properties similar to putrescine.

Radioiodinated BB5-G1, a parathyroid-specific monoclonal antibody, and its F(ab')2 and Fab fragments were characterized using a nude mouse model system. Blood clearance studies indicated that the most slowly clearing species was the 125I-BB5-G1 intact antibody, while the most rapidly clearing one was the 125I-Fab fragment. 125I-F(ab')2 retained its capacity to localize in the human parathyroid tissue implants with the uptake at 24 h being similar to that observed with the intact antibody. Poor localization was observed with the Fab fragment. These results suggest that BB5-G1 or its F(ab')2 fragment may be useful for parathyroid imaging.

We have studied the dose effect of 111In-labeled HDP-1 on lung and liver uptake in rats. At low doses (much less than 25 micrograms) the lung/liver ratios are quite low. Higher doses result in dramatically increased ratios, suggesting that an uptake or metabolic process in the liver was becoming saturated. These results are compared with those previously obtained with 125I-labeled HDP-1.

In order to investigate the uptake characteristics of palmitic (hexadecanoic) acid labeled with 18F at positions within the alkyl chain, [18F]6- and 7-fluoropalmitates were synthesized. A precursor synthesis of several steps was followed by no-carrier-added [18F] fluoride displacement of a methanesulfonate group and cleavage of the fatty acid benzyl ester. Preliminary myocardial uptake characteristics of the labeled compounds in rats were not markedly different from those of unsubstituted 11C labeled palmitic acid.

The biodistributions of 111In-BB5-G1 and 111In-F(ab')2 were compared with the biodistributions of the corresponding 125I-labeled molecules. For BB5-G1 intact antibody, the relative uptake of the 111In- and 125I-labeled molecules in human parathyroid tissue implants was similar at 24 h, but by 96 h the uptake of the 111In-BB5-G1 %ID/g was four times greater than that observed with the 125I-labeled antibody. For the F(ab')2 fragments, the relative parathyroid uptake of the two preparations was similar at all times tested. The uptake by the clearance organs was significantly higher when the 111In-labeled molecules were used. Imaging results suggest that 111In-BB5-G1 or 111In-F(ab')2 may be a useful radiopharmaceutical for parathyroid radioimmunodetection.

Indium-111, as the 8-hydroxyquinoline and acetylacetone complexes, has been used to label cellular blood components. Because of the gamma-ray cascade emitted following the decay of indium-111, perturbed angular correlation studies can be used to investigate the environment of the indium nucleus. Perturbed angular correlation studies have been carried out on the indium at various steps in the procedure used to label platelets with indium using both 8-hydroxyquinoline and acetylacetone as the ligand. Similar values of the integral correlation coefficient were obtained in both cases, suggesting identical labeling mechanisms. Following lysis of the platelets the values of (G22(infinity)) changed, suggesting that the intracellular complex is relatively weak.

Inflammatory cellular changes occurring during renal injury as a consequence of unilateral ureter obstruction were studied in vivo using 111In-labeled leukocytes and 111In-labeled platelets. The radiolabeled cells were administered at various times after induction of hydronephrosis by unilateral ureter ligation in New Zealand rabbits. The contralateral kidney (CLK) served as the control. The migration and accumulation of the radiolabeled cells was monitored by dual isotope scintigraphic imaging (i.e. 99mTc-labeled red blood cell subtraction) and confirmed by direct analysis of removed epsilateral hydronephrotic kidney (HNK) and CLK at the time of sacrifice. When 111In platelets were administered, significantly greater uptake in the hydronephrotic kidney was observed within 15 min of ureter ligation. Furthermore, the HNK accumulated twice the amount of 111In radioactivity than the CLK, when either the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) or monocytes were injected at the time of ureter obstruction. The differences between HNK and CLK were scintigraphically detectable between 6 and 12 h after hydronephrosis respectively; and 111In-labeled monocytes selectively accumulated in HNK if administered during the first 48 h after ureter ligation. These data suggest that inflammatory cells sequentially accumulate following ureter obstruction and are derived from circulating white blood cells.

We have developed a simple in vivo scintigraphic technique that permits accurate quantitative comparison of intravascular platelet deposition in blood vessels of similar size. Regional count information from scintigraphic images of In-111 platelets and Tc-99m red blood cells is used to determine the ratio of radioactivity in the thrombus relative to that in the blood. Multiplication of this ratio by the percent injected dose (%ID) of In-111 per ml of blood yields a quantity (%ID index) that is directly proportional to the %ID of In-111 platelets in the thrombus as measured in vitro (r = .879, p less than 0.005). This technique is well suited for quantitative studies of scintigraphically detectable platelet deposition in both animals and in man.

Although the reported synthesis of the title compound resulted in a high radiochemical yield (43% based on resolubilized 18F), the effective specific activity at EOS was low (166 Ci/mmol). Reduction in the amount of carrier fluoride in the target water improved the effective specific activity of the product, but with a concommitant decrease in the resolubilized yield of the fluoroestradiol (12.7%). A re-examination of the labeling parameters was performed to determine the conditions that would increase the yield of the fluoroestrogen and maintain a high effective activity for the product. Since the amount of resolubilized 18F in THF is important in obtaining high specific activity compounds in this type of synthesis, several types of vessels were investigated to determine their effect on the evaporation of the [18O]H2O target water and subsequent resolubilization of 18F into THF. Of the vessels (Pt crucible, borosilicate glass, siliconized borosilicate glass, Vacutainer), the Vacutainer afforded the highest resolubilization of 18F into THF (90%), resulting in an improved resolubilized yield for the fluoroestradiol (28%) and an increased effective specific activity at EOS for the product (1600-3939 Ci/mmol).

Cuprous chloride-assisted aromatic bromodeiodination was investigated as a regioselective no-carrier-added labelling technique. Using 77Br-, CuCl and simple iodinated aromatic substrates in DMSO, radiochemical yields ranged from 60 to 90% after 30 min at 135 degrees C. The methodology described here holds potential for the convenient labelling of radiopharmaceuticals with 75Br, 76Br or 77Br.

The use of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies as a diagnostic tool in nuclear medicine has grown rapidly over the past several years. Early studies utilized antibodies labeled with radionuclides of iodine (i.e. 125I and 131I) although these radionuclides are not ideal for use in tumor imaging. Recent advances and the development of new chemical methods has made it possible to label antibodies with other radionuclides (i.e. 77Br, 111In and 99mTc). The advantages and disadvantages associated with all of the different radionuclides and labeling methods will be discussed.

Four different approaches towards the synthesis of [18F]FMISO have been studied. The first approach was based on the reaction of epoxide 4 and [18F]fluoride. Both specific activity and radiochemical yield (less than 1%) for [18F]FMISO were low. Two new approaches, starting with compounds 8 and 9, have failed to give [18F]FMISO. The fourth approach, based on the reaction of [18F]epifluorohydrin 10, prepared from Tosylate 13 and [18F]KF/Kryptofix 222, has provided a reliable, no-carrier added synthesis of [18F]FMISO. The product was obtained in a radiochemical yield of 7-12% at end-of-synthesis (based on [18F]fluoride) with a specific activity of greater than 400 Ci/mmol and a synthesis time of 1.5 h. Preliminary PET studies suggest that [18F]FMISO may be a promising tracer for delineation of ischemic but viable myocardium.

Using existing robotic hardware and software programs developed for the synthesis of several positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging [Brodack et al. (1988) Appl. Radiat. Isot. 39, 689], the additional automated synthesis of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) has been incorporated into our Zymate Laboratory Automation System. The robotic synthesis of 2-[18F]FDG took less than one week to implement, including the organization of software subroutines and construction of an additional heating station. The end of synthesis yield (12-17%) and radiochemical purity (96-99%) for the robotic preparation of 2-[18F]FDG is similar to that of the manual synthesis. This automated method uses anhydrous tetrabutylammonium [18F]fluoride as the reactive fluoride source in the labeling step. The procedure is a modification of the synthesis reported by Hamacher et al. [Hamacher et al. (1986) J. Nucl. Med. 27, 235].

16 alpha-[77 Br]-Bromoestradiol-17 beta (3a) has been synthesized from estrone enol diacetate (1) by bromination with Na77Br and hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid, followed by reduction with lithium aluminum hydride to give a mixture of 16 alpha-[77 Br]-bromoestradiol-17 beta (3a) and 16 alpha-[77Br]-bromoestradiol-17 alpha (3b) from which the desired epimer (3a) can be obtained in 50% overall radiochemical yield (from Na77Br) by HPLC. Analogous procedures can be used in the preparation of 16 alpha-[77Br]-bromo-11 beta-methoxyestradiol-17 beta. (4a) The effective specific activities of these radiopharmaceuticals, determined by binding to the uterine estrogen receptor, are 900-1500 Ci/mmol. Both have affinity and good binding selectivity for the estrogen receptor and are useful as imaging agents for mammary tumors.