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MMP-9 is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that is involved in the proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix and plays an important role in cancer migration, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of MMP-tracers [18 F]BR420 and [18 F]BR351 for MMP-9 imaging in a colorectal cancer xenograft model. [18 F]BR420 and [18 F]BR351 were synthesized using an automated synthesis module. For [18 F]BR420, a novel and improved radiosynthesis was developed. Plasma stability and MMP-9-targeting capacity of both radiotracers was compared in the Colo205 colorectal cancer model. MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression levels in the tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and in situ zymography. μPET imaging as well as ex vivo biodistribution revealed a higher tumor uptake for [18 F]BR420 (3.15% ± 0.03% ID/g vs 0.94% ± 0.18% ID/g for [18 F]BR351 at 2 hours pi) but slower blood clearance compared with [18 F]BR351. [18 F]BR351 was quickly metabolized in plasma with 20.28% ± 5.41% of intact tracer remaining at 15 minutes postinjection (PI). By contrast, [18 F]BR420 displayed a higher metabolic stability with >86% intact tracer remaining at 2 hours PI. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in the tumor tissue, which was confirmed by in situ zymography. However, an autoradiography analysis of tracer distribution in the tumors did not correlate with MMP-9 expression. [18 F]BR420 displayed a higher tumor uptake and higher stability compared with [18 F]BR351 but a low tumor-to-blood ratio and discrepancy between tracer distribution and MMP-9 immunohistochemistry. Therefore, both tracers will not be usefulness for MMP-9 imaging in colorectal cancer.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its inhibitor PAI-1 are key players in cancer invasion and metastasis. Both uPA and PAI-1 have been described as prognostic biomarkers; however, non-invasive methods measuring uPA activity are lacking. We developed an indium-111 (111 In)-labelled activity-based probe to image uPA activity in vivo by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A DOTA-conjugated uPA inhibitor was synthesized and radiolabelled with 111 In ([111 In]MICA-401), together with its inactive, hydrolysed form ([111 In]MICA-402). A biodistribution study was performed in mice (healthy and tumour-bearing), and tumour-targeting properties were evaluated in two different cancer xenografts (MDA-MB-231 and HT29) with respectively high and low levels of uPA expression in vitro, with either the active or hydrolysed radiotracer. MicroSPECT was performed 95 h post injection followed by ex vivo biodistribution. Tumour uptake was correlated with human and murine uPA expression determined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Biodistribution data with the hydrolysed probe [111 In]MICA-402 showed almost complete clearance 95 h post injection. The ex vivo biodistribution and SPECT data with [111 In]MICA-401 demonstrated similar tumour uptakes in the two models: ex vivo 5.68 ± 1.41%ID/g versus 5.43 ± 1.29%ID/g and in vivo 4.33 ± 0.80 versus 4.86 ± 1.18 for MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 respectively. Human uPA ELISA and IHC showed significantly higher uPA expression in the MDA-MB-231 tumours, while mouse uPA staining revealed similar staining intensities of the two tumours. Our data demonstrate non-invasive imaging of uPA activity in vivo, although the moderate tumour uptake and hence potential clinical translation of the radiotracer warrants further investigation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Purpose In oncology, positron emission tomography imaging using dedicated tracers as biomarkers may assist in early evaluation of therapy efficacy. Using 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT), we investigated the early effects of chemotherapeutic treatment on cancer cell proliferation in a BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer xenograft model. Procedures Colo205 subcutaneously inoculated animals underwent 90-min dynamic imaging before and 24 h after treatment with vehicle (control), cetuximab (resistant) or irinotecan (sensitive). Total distribution volume was quantified from dynamic data, and standardized uptake values as well as tumor-to-blood ratios were calculated from static images averaged over the last 20 min. In vivo imaging data was correlated with ex vivo proliferation and thymidine metabolism proteins. Results All imaging parameters showed a significant post-treatment decrease from [18F]FLT baseline uptake for the irinotecan group (p ≤ 0.001) as compared with the cetuximab and vehicle group and correlated strongly with each other (p ≤ 0.0001). In vivo data were in agreement with Ki67 staining, showing a significantly lower percentage of Ki67-positive cells in the irinotecan group as compared with other groups (p ≤ 0.0001). Tumor expression of thymidine kinase 1 phosphorylated on serine 13, thymidylate synthase, and thymidine phosphorylase remained unaffected, while thymidine kinase 1 expression was, surprisingly, significantly higher in irinotecan-treated animals (p ≤ 0.01). In contrast, tumor ATP levels were lowest in this group. Conclusions [18F]FLT positron emission tomography was found to be a suitable biomarker of early tumor response to anti-proliferative treatment, with static imaging not being inferior to full compartmental analysis in our xenograft model. The dynamics of thymidine kinase 1 protein expression and protein activity in low ATP environments merits further investigation.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 is the most prevalent PDE in the central nervous system (CNS) and catalyzes hydrolysis of intracellular cAMP, a secondary messenger. By therapeutic inhibition of PDE4, intracellular cAMP levels can be stabilized, and the symptoms of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders including depression, memory loss and Parkinson's disease can be ameliorated. Radiotracers targeting PDE4 can be used to study PDE4 density and function, and evaluate new PDE4 therapeutics, in vivo in a non-invasive way, as has been shown using the carbon-11 labeled PDE4 inhibitor R-(-)-rolipram. Herein we describe a small series of rolipram analogs that contain fluoro- or iodo-substituents that could be used as fluorine-18 PET or iodine-123 SPECT PDE4 radiotracers. This series was evaluated with an in vitro binding assay and a 4-(fluoromethyl) derivative of rolipram, MNI-617, was identified, with a five-fold increase in affinity for PDE4 (Kd = 0.26 nM) over R-(-)-rolipram (Kd = 1.6 nM). A deutero-analogue d2 -[(18) F]MNI-617 was radiolabeled and produced in 23% yield with high (>5 Ci/µmol) specific activity and evaluated in non-human primate, where it rapidly entered the brain, with SUVs between 4 and 5, and with a distribution pattern consistent with that of PDE4.

The positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [F-18]MNI-659, selective for phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), is a promising tool to assess an early biomarker for Huntington's disease (HD). In this study we investigated [F-18]MNI-659 uptake in the Q175 mouse model of HD. Given the focal striatal distribution of PDE10A as well as the striatal atrophy occurring in HD, the spatial normalization approach applied during the processing could sensibly affect the accuracy of the regional quantification. We compared the use of a magnetic resonance images (MRI) template based on individual MRI over a PET and CT templates for regional quantification and spatial normalization of [F-18]MNI-659 PET images. We performed [F-18] MNI-659 PET imaging in six months old heterozygous (HET) Q175 mice and wild-type (WT) littermates, followed by X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan. In the same week, individual T-2-weighted MRI were acquired. Spatial normalization and regional quantification of the PET/CT images was performed on MRI, [F-18]MNI-659 PET, or CT template and compared to binding potential (BP ND ) using volumes manually delineated on the individual MR images. Striatal volume was significantly reduced in HET mice (-7.7%, p

The metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of Huntingtons disease (HD). Using 11C-ABP688, a non-competitive and highly selective antagonist for mGluR5, we aimed to longitudinally characterize in vivo changes of mGluR5 by means of PET imaging in the Q175 mouse model of HD. Methods: 11C-ABP688 PET imaging, followed by an X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan, was performed in heterozygous Q175 mice (n = 18) and wild-type (WT) littermates (n = 18) at three different time points (namely 6, 9, and 13 months of age). 11C-ABP688 binding potential (BPND) was calculated for each time point in striatum and cortex using the cerebellum as reference region. In addition, voxel-based statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis was performed on BPND images. Post-mortem validation of mGluR5 levels and neuronal density was performed at 6 months of age. Results: 11C-ABP688 BPND of heterozygous Q175 animals was significantly reduced at all time points in the striatum (6 months: -13.1%, P < 0.001, 9 months: -13.5%, P < 0.001, and 13 months: -14.2%, P < 0.001) and in the cortex (6 months: -9.8%, P < 0.01, 9 months: -10.2%, P < 0.01, and 13 months: -10.6%, P < 0.01) when compared to WT littermates. Longitudinal changes of 11C-ABP688 BPND were also found in heterozygous mice showing a reduction at 13 months compared to 6 months (-10.4%, P < 0.05). SPM analysis confirmed reduced BPND in heterozygous compared to WT as well as the time-related decline of 11C-ABP688 binding in the striatum of heterozygous Q175 mice. Post-mortem analysis confirmed mGluR5 decrease in both striatum (-36.6%; P < 0.01) and cortex (-16.6%; P < 0.05) of heterozygous Q175 mice, while no difference in neuronal density was found. Conclusion: In vivo imaging of mGluR5 using 11C-ABP688 PET/CT revealed a marked reduction of ligand binding in the striatum and cortex of heterozygous mice compared to WT animals as well as a temporal decline in heterozygous Q175 mice. This study suggests 11C-ABP688 PET imaging as potential biomarker to monitor the disease progression and therapeutic strategies in HD.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and kallikrein-related peptidase 8 (KLK8) are serine proteases that contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling after brain injury. They can be labelled with the novel radiotracer [In the KASE model, in vitro autoradiography with [At 7 days post-SE, in vitro autoradiography revealed significantly decreased [Strong association of reduced [

The fluorine-18-labeled positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer [(18) F]MK-9470 is a selective, high affinity inverse agonist that has been used to image the cannabinoid receptor type 1 in human brain in healthy and disease states. This report describes a simplified, one-step [(18) F]radiofluorination approach using a GE TRACERlab FXFN module for the routine production of this tracer. The one-step synthesis, by [(18) F]fluoride displacement of a primary tosylate precursor, gives a six-fold increase in yield over the previous two-step method employing O-alkylation of a phenol precursor with 1,2-[(18) F]fluorobromoethane. The average radiochemical yield of [(18) F]MK-9470 using the one-step method was 30.3 ± 11.7% (n = 12), with specific activity in excess of 6 Ci/µmol and radiochemical purity of 97.2 ± 1.5% (n = 12), in less than 60 min. This simplified, high yielding, automated process was validated for routine GMP production of [(18) F]MK-9470 for clinical studies.

Introduction The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system is a proteolytic cascade involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. uPA and its inhibitor PAI-1 are described as biomarkers for breast cancer with the highest level of evidence. The present study describes the synthesis and first in vivo application of an activity based uPA PET-probe. Methods Based on the design of a small irreversible and selective uPA-inhibitor we developed a 18 F-labeled activity based probe for uPA imaging. Human uPA expressing MDA-MB-231-luc2-GFP cells were inoculated in the mammary fat pads of nude mice and treated with the probe once tumors reached a volume of 150 mm3. Scans were performed at 0.25, 0.75, 1.5, 4 and 6 h post injection. To evaluate tumor uptake in vivo and ex vivo data were gathered. Biodistribution data of the organs and tissues of interest were collected at all time points. Due to a relatively low tumor uptake, probe stability was further evaluated. Results The uPA targeting PET tracer was produced in high purity and with good specific radioactivity. In vivo PET data showed a maximum tumor uptake of 2,51 ± 0,32 %ID/g at 4 h p.i. A significant correlation between in vivo and ex vivo tumor uptake calculation was found (R = 0.75; p < 0.01). Due to a high blood signal at all time points, probe stability was further examined revealing high plasma protein binding and low plasma stability. Conclusions In vivo and ex vivo results clearly demonstrate that uPA expressing tumors can be detected with non-invasive PET imaging. Stability tests suggest that further optimization is needed to provide a better tumor-to-background contrast.

Introduction: The tetrazine-trans-cylooctene cycloaddition using radiolabeled tetrazine or radiolabeled transcyclooctene (TCO) has been reported to be a very fast, selective and bioorthogonal reaction that could be useful for in vivo radiolabeling of molecules. We wanted to evaluate the in vivo biodistribution profile and brain uptake of F-18-labeled TCO ([F-18]TCO) to assess its potential for pre-targeted imaging in the brain. Methods: We evaluated the in vivo behavior of[F-18]TCO via an ex vivo biodistribution study complemented by in vivo mu PET imaging at 5, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 240 mm post tracer injection. An in vivo metabolite study was performed at 5 min, 30 mm and 120 min post [F-18]TCO injection by RP-HPLC analysis of plasma and brain extracts. Incubation with human liver microsomes was performed to further evaluate the metabolite profile of the tracer. Results: mu PET imaging and ex-vivo biodistribution revealed an high initial brain uptake of [F-18]TCO (3.8%ID/g at 5 min pi) followed by a washout to 3.0%ID/g at 30 min pi. Subsequently the brain uptake increased again to 3.7%ID/g at 120 min pi followed by a slow washout until 240 min pi (2.9%ID/g). Autoradiography confirmed homogenous brain uptake. On the WET images bone uptake became gradually visible after 120 mm pi and was clearly visible at 240 mm pi. The metabolite study revealed a fast metabolization of [F-18]TCO in plasma and brain into three main polar radiometabolites. Conclusions: Although [F-18]TCO has previously been described to be a useful tracer for radiolabeling of tetrazine modified targeting molecules, our study indicates that its utility for in vivo chemistry and pretargeted imaging will be limited. Although [F-18]TCO clearly enters the brain, it is quickly metabolized with a non-specific accumulation of radioactivity in the brain and bone. (c) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fischer indole cyclization has recently been described as an efficient approach to the synthesis of azaindoles bearing electron-donating groups. We now show that this cascade reaction can be very efficient for the formation of a wider range of 4- and 6-azaindoles by using microwave irradiation.

Objective: Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and kallikrein-related peptidase 8 (KLK8) are serine proteases that contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling after brain injury. They can be labelled with the novel radiotracer [In-111]MICA-401. As the first step in exploring the applicability of [In-111]MICA-401 in tracing the mechanisms of postinjury ECM reorganization in vivo, we performed in vitro and ex vivo studies, assessing [In-111]MICA-401 distribution in the brain in two animal models: kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (KASE) and controlled cortical impact (CCI)-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: In the KASE model, in vitro autoradiography with [In-111]MICA-401 was performed at 7 days and 12 weeks post-SE. To assess seizure burden, rats were monitored using video-electroencephalography (EEG) for 1 month before the 12-week time point. In the CCI model, in vitro autoradiography was performed at 4 days and ex vivo autoradiography at 7 days post-TBI. Results: At 7 days post-SE, in vitro autoradiography revealed significantly decreased [In-111]MICA-401 binding in hippocampal CA3 subfield and extrahippocampal temporal lobe (ETL). In the chronic phase, when animals had developed spontaneous seizures, specific binding was decreased in CA3 and CA1/CA2 subfields of hippocampus, dentate gyrus, ETL, and parietal cortex. Of interest, KASE rats with the highest frequency of seizures had the lowest hippocampal [In-111]MICA-401 binding (r = -0.76, p

MMP-9 is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that is involved in the proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix and plays an important role in cancer migration, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of MMP-tracers [

In oncology, positron emission tomography imaging using dedicated tracers as biomarkers may assist in early evaluation of therapy efficacy. Using 3'-deoxy-3'-[Colo205 subcutaneously inoculated animals underwent 90-min dynamic imaging before and 24 h after treatment with vehicle (control), cetuximab (resistant) or irinotecan (sensitive). Total distribution volume was quantified from dynamic data, and standardized uptake values as well as tumor-to-blood ratios were calculated from static images averaged over the last 20 min. In vivo imaging data was correlated with ex vivo proliferation and thymidine metabolism proteins.All imaging parameters showed a significant post-treatment decrease from [[

New 2-aminoselenophene-3-carbonitriles and 5-amino-1,3-thiazole-4-carbonitriles were made and reacted with cycloalkanones to give tetrahydros elenolo[2,3-b]quinolines, cycloalkene-fused selenolo[3,2-e]pyridines, [1,3]thiazolo[5,4- b]quinolines, thiazolo[4,5-e]pyridines and tetrahydr o[1,3]thiazolo[5,4-b]quinolines.

In this work, we described the synthesis of new tetrasubstituted thiophenes and selenophenes achieved by an easy one-pot four-step procedure. Expected compounds were obtained in good yield from ketene dithioacetals.

5-Substituted 3-amino-selenophene-2-carbonitriles and 2-substituted 4-amino-1,3-selenazole-5-carbonitriles were reacted with sodium nitrite in hydrochloric acid to give chloroselenolotriazines and chloroselenazolotriazines. These compounds were then subjected to S N Ar reactions with secondary amines under microwave irradiation.

In this work, we describe the synthesis of new 2,4,5-trisubstituted-1,3-thiazoles and 1,3-selenazole achieved by an easy one-pot four-step procedure. Expected compounds were obtained in good yield from dimethyl cyanodithioimidocarbonate, which was the common starting material for the preparation of all 1,3-thiazoles and 1,3-selenazoles. Chemical diversity was introduced on thiazole and selenazole rings by varying the amines and the activated halides used.

Microwave-assisted synthesis allowed efficient access to 4-chloroselenolo[3,2-d]pyrimidines in short times and very good a yields. Some functionalizations by S N Ar and palladium-catalyzed reactions are also reported.

In this work, we described an easy preparation of substituted 4-amino-5-cyano-1,3-thiazoles. These compounds have been used as starting materials to obtain two classes of compounds. New substituted [1,3]thiazolo[4,5-e]pyridines were synthesized in one step via Friedlander reaction. Diazotation of 4-amino-5-cyano-1,3-thiazoles afforded 4-chloro[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-d][1,2,3]triazines in one step. The later was substituted by a secondary amine to obtain substituted 4-amino[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-d][1,2,3]triazines.

An efficient two respectively three steps procedure for the synthesis of cycloalkyl[b]thieno[3,2-e]-pyridine amines was developed and in general good to very good yields were obtained.

New 3-amino-2-selenophenecarbonitriles condensed with cyclanones to afford, in one step, analogues of Tacrine. A comparison between classical heating and microwave irradiation for the Friedlander condensation is presented.

In this work, we described an easy preparation of substituted 3-amino-2-nitrothiophenes and selenophenes. Substituted β-chloroacrylonitriles were reacted with sodium sulfide or sodium selenide and bromonitromethane to yield the expected compounds in a one-pot three-step procedure in good yields.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 is the most prevalent PDE in the central nervous system (CNS) and catalyzes hydrolysis of intracellular cAMP, a secondary messenger. By therapeutic inhibition of PDE4, intracellular cAMP levels can be stabilized, and the symptoms of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders including depression, memory loss and Parkinson's disease can be ameliorated. Radiotracers targeting PDE4 can be used to study PDE4 density and function, and evaluate new PDE4 therapeutics, in vivo in a non-invasive way, as has been shown using the carbon-11 labeled PDE4 inhibitor R-(-)-rolipram. Herein we describe a small series of rolipram analogs that contain fluoro- or iodo-substituents that could be used as fluorine-18 PET or iodine-123 SPECT PDE4 radiotracers. This series was evaluated with an in vitro binding assay and a 4-(fluoromethyl) derivative of rolipram, MNI-617, was identified, with a five-fold increase in affinity for PDE4 (Kd = 0.26 nM) over R-(-)-rolipram (Kd = 1.6 nM). A deutero-analogue d2 -[(18) F]MNI-617 was radiolabeled and produced in 23% yield with high (5 Ci/µmol) specific activity and evaluated in non-human primate, where it rapidly entered the brain, with SUVs between 4 and 5, and with a distribution pattern consistent with that of PDE4.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its inhibitor PAI-1 are key players in cancer invasion and metastasis. Both uPA and PAI-1 have been described as prognostic biomarkers; however, non-invasive methods measuring uPA activity are lacking. We developed an indium-111 (

There are many indications of a connection between abnormal glutamate transmission through N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction and the occurrence of schizophrenia. The importance of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) became generally recognized due to its physical link through anchor proteins with NMDAR. Neuroinflammation as well as the kynurenine (tryptophan catabolite; TRYCAT) pathway are equally considered as major contributors to the pathology. We aimed to investigate this interplay between glutamate release, neuronal activation and inflammatory markers, by using small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) in a rat model known to induce schizophrenia-like symptoms. Daily intraperitoneal injection of MK801 or saline were administered to induce the model together with N-Acetyl-cysteine (NAc) or saline as the treatment in 24 male Sprague Dawley rats for one month. Biweekly in vivo [11C]-ABP688 microPET was performed together with mGluR5 immunohistochemistry. Simultaneously, weekly in vivo [18F]-FDG microPET imaging data for glucose metabolism was acquired and microglial activation was investigated with biweekly in vivo [18F]-PBR111 scans versus OX42 immunohistochemistry. Finally, plasma samples were analyzed for TRYCAT metabolites. We show that chronic MK801 administration (and thus elevated endogenous glutamate) causes significant tissue loss in rat brain, enhances neuroinflammatory pathways and may upregulate mGluR5 expression.

Substituted 7-hydroxythieno[3,2- B]pyridin-5(4 H)-ones were prepared from the corresponding β-chloropropenonitriles in one step.

Introduction Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) hydrolyzes selectively cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) which is an intracellular second messenger. PDE7 is expressed by 2 genes which are both present in the brain. To date there is no radiotracer for PDE7 imaging described and detection of PDE7 has only been performed by ex vivo techniques. In this report we describe the radiosynthesis of a novel fluorine-18 labeled radiotracer for PDE7 as well as the in vivo evaluation in mice to verify whether it has potential for imaging of PDE7 in the brain. Methods We have synthesized a potent fluorinated PDE7 inhibitor, [ 18 F]MICA-003 (PDE7 IC 50 =17nM) and the corresponding tosylate precursor for radiolabeling. [ 18 F]MICA-003 was injected in C57BL/6J mice (n=5) and in vivo images were acquired by μPET imaging. Radiometabolite analysis in plasma and brain was performed to determine the stability of the radioligand. Results [ 18 F]MICA-003 was synthesized by direct fluorination of the tosylate and produced in high decay corrected radiochemical yield (40%), high radiochemical purity (>98%) and high specific activity (86–497GBq/μmol). μPET imaging revealed that [ 18 F]MICA-003 crosses the blood brain barrier and has a homogenous distribution over the brain which washes out after the initial peak uptake. [ 18 F]MICA-003 was quickly metabolized in plasma with 8.9%±0.59% of intact [ 18 F]MICA-003 remaining at 5min post injection. We observed the formation of three distinct radiometabolites of which the main radiometabolite was also detected in the brain in a proportion of 25.7±2.57% at this same time point. Conclusion We have described the synthesis and in vivo evaluation of a novel radioligand for PDE7 imaging. Despite high uptake in the brain and favorable kinetics in vivo , the presence of a brain penetrant radiometabolite makes [ 18 F]MICA-003 unfavorable for the accurate quantification of PDE7 and more stable spiroquinazolinones analogs are in development.

Importance In Huntington disease (HD) striatal neuron loss precedes and predicts motor signs or symptoms. Current imaging biomarkers lack adequate sensitivity for assessing the early stages of HD. Developing an imaging biomarker for HD spanning the time of onset of motor signs remains a major unmet research need. Intracellular proteins whose expression is altered by the mutant huntingtin protein may be superior markers for early HD stages. Objective To evaluate whether [18F]MNI-659 (2-(2-(3-(4-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-7-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)ethyl)-4-isopropoxyisoindoline-1,3-dione), a novel phosphodiesterase 10 positron emission tomography (PET) ligand, is a sensitive marker for striatal changes in early HD. Design, Setting, and Participants A cohort of individuals with HD, including premanifest (pre-HD) or manifest with motor signs (mHD), underwent clinical assessments, genetic determination, [18F]MNI-659 PET imaging, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Age-matched healthy volunteers (HVs) also received clinical assessments and PET and magnetic resonance imaging. Main Outcomes and Measures Binding potentials (BPnds) were estimated for brain regions of interest, specifically within the basal ganglia, and compared between participants with HD and the HVs and correlated with markers of HD severity and atrophy of basal ganglia nuclei. Results Eleven participants with HD (8 mHD and 3 pre-HD) and 9 HVs participated. Ten of 11 HD participants had known huntingtin CAG repeat length, allowing determination of a burden of pathology (BOP) score. One individual with HD declined CAG determination. All participants with mHD had relatively early-stage disease (4 with stage 1 and 4 with stage 2) and a Unified Huntingtons Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) total Motor subscale score of less than 50. The HD cohort had significantly lower striatal [18F]MNI-659 uptake than did the HV cohort (mean, −48.4%; P

The fluorine-18-labeled positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer [(18) F]MK-9470 is a selective, high affinity inverse agonist that has been used to image the cannabinoid receptor type 1 in human brain in healthy and disease states. This report describes a simplified, one-step [(18) F]radiofluorination approach using a GE TRACERlab FXFN module for the routine production of this tracer. The one-step synthesis, by [(18) F]fluoride displacement of a primary tosylate precursor, gives a six-fold increase in yield over the previous two-step method employing O-alkylation of a phenol precursor with 1,2-[(18) F]fluorobromoethane. The average radiochemical yield of [(18) F]MK-9470 using the one-step method was 30.3 ± 11.7% (n = 12), with specific activity in excess of 6 Ci/µmol and radiochemical purity of 97.2 ± 1.5% (n = 12), in less than 60 min. This simplified, high yielding, automated process was validated for routine GMP production of [(18) F]MK-9470 for clinical studies.

A one-pot procedure was developed to prepare new 2-aryl-5-nitrothiophenes efficiently from bromonitromethane and 3-chloro-3-aryl-propenals. Nitrothiophenes were synthesized in good yields with a simple and easy workup procedure.

UNLABELLED Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 10A is an enzyme involved in the regulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate and is highly expressed in medium-sized spiny neurons of the striatum, making it an attractive target for novel therapies for a variety of neurologic and psychiatric disorders that involve striatal function. Potential ligands for PET imaging of PDE10A have been reported. Here, we report the first-in-human characterization of 2 new PDE10A radioligands, 2-(2-(3-(1-(2-fluoroethyl)-1H-indazol-6-yl)-7-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)ethyl)-4-isopropoxyisoindoline-1,3-dione ((18)F-MNI-654) and 2-(2-(3-(4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-7-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)ethyl)-4-isopropoxyisoindoline-1,3-dione ((18)F-MNI-659), with the goal of selecting the best one for use in future studies interrogating pathophysiologic changes in neuropsychiatric disorders and aiding pharmaceutical development targeting PDE10A. METHODS Eleven healthy volunteers participated in this study ((18)F-MNI-654 test-retest, 2 men; (18)F-MNI-659 test-retest, 4 men and 1 woman; (18)F-MNI-659 dosimetry, 2 men and 2 women). Brain PET images were acquired over 5.5 h for (18)F-MNI-654 and over 3.5 h for (18)F-MNI-659, and pharmacokinetic modeling with plasma- and reference-region (cerebellar cortex)-based methods was performed. Whole-body PET images were acquired over 6 h for (18)F-MNI-659 and radiation dosimetry estimated with OLINDA. RESULTS Both radiotracers were similarly metabolized, with about 20% of intact parent remaining at 120 min after injection. PET time-activity data demonstrated that (18)F-MNI-654 kinetics were much slower than (18)F-MNI-659 kinetics. For (18)F-MNI-659, there was good agreement between the Logan and simplified reference tissue models for nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND), supporting noninvasive quantification, with test-retest variability less than 10% and intraclass correlation greater than 0.9. The (18)F-MNI-659 effective dose was estimated at 0.024 mSv/MBq. CONCLUSION PET imaging in the human brain with 2 novel PDE10A (18)F tracers is being reported. Noninvasive quantification of (18)F-MNI-659 with the simplified reference tissue model using the cerebellum as a reference is possible. In addition, (18)F-MNI-659 kinetics are fast enough for a good estimate of BPND with 90 min of data, with values around 3.0 in the basal ganglia. Finally, (18)F-MNI-659 dosimetry is favorable and consistent with values reported for other PET radiotracers currently used in humans.

The cascade reaction of the Fischer synthesis can be efficiently applied to the formation of 4- and 6-azaindoles using microwave irradiation.

In this work, we described the synthesis of new tetrasubstituted thiophenes and selenophenes achieved by an easy one-pot four-step procedure. Expected compounds were obtained in good yield from ketene dithioacetals.

In this work, we describe the synthesis of new 2,4,5-trisubstituted-1,3-thiazoles and 1,3-selenazole achieved by an easy one-pot four-step procedure. Expected compounds were obtained in good yield from dimethyl cyanodithioimidocarbonate, which was the common starting material for the preparation of all 1,3-thiazoles and 1,3-selenazoles. Chemical diversity was introduced on thiazole and selenazole rings by varying the amines and the activated halides used.

In this work, we described an easy preparation of substituted 4-amino-5-cyano-1,3-thiazoles. These compounds have been used as starting materials to obtain two classes of compounds. New substituted [1,3]thiazolo[4,5-e]pyridines were synthesized in one step via Friedlander reaction. Diazotation of 4-amino-5-cyano-1,3-thiazoles afforded 4-chloro[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-d][1,2,3]triazines in one step. The later was substituted by a secondary amine to obtain substituted 4-amino[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-d][1,2,3]triazines.

An efficient two respectively three steps procedure for the synthesis of cycloalkyl[b]thieno[3,2-e]-pyridine amines was developed and in general good to very good yields were obtained.

In this work, we described an easy preparation of substituted 3-amino-2-nitrothiophenes and selenophenes. Substituted β-chloroacrylonitriles were reacted with sodium sulfide or sodium selenide and bromonitromethane to yield the expected compounds in a one-pot three-step procedure in good yields.

3-Amino-2-cyanothiophenes condensed with cyclanones and afforded analogues of Velnacrine in two or three steps. Condensation under Friedlander’s conditions gave tacrine analogues in one step.