Introduction: Recently, we have reported modification of (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 by integrating the N2S2 metal chelating unit and the tropane skeleton. Results of a preliminary biodistribution study in rats were promising with respect to brain uptake. The present report deals with the further biological characterization of the (99m)Tc-labelled integrated TRODAT derivatives ((99m)Tc-TropaBAT and (99m)Tc-norchloro-TropaBAT) and with the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel (99m)Tc-labelled piperidine-based derivative ((99m)Tc-PipBAT).
Methods: Biodistribution of all radiolabelled complexes was studied in normal mice. A more detailed ex vivo intracerebral distribution study of the two (99m)Tc-TropaBAT complexes was additionally performed in normal rats. Autoradiography of brain sections of normal mice (with or without pretreatment with FP-beta-CIT or haloperidol) and rats was performed. Affinity for the dopamine transporter (DAT) was also assessed in vitro in the presence or absence of cocaine.
Results: Both (99m)Tc-TropaBAT complexes show a slightly higher brain uptake than (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1, but the striatum/cerebellum activity ratio is less favourable. Nevertheless, significant striatal uptake was detected after ex vivo autoradiography, but this uptake was also observed after pretreatment with FP-beta-CIT. Unexpectedly, no striatal uptake was detected after in vitro incubation of mouse brain sections with the tracer agents. For (99m)Tc-PipBAT, neither brain uptake nor in vitro striatal uptake was found.
Conclusion: Both (99m)Tc-TropaBAT complexes exhibit similar diffusion into brain as (99m)Tc-TRODAT-1, and ex vivo autoradiography shows significant striatal uptake. However, the inferior striatum/cerebellum activity ratio, the striatal uptake in mice pretreated with FP-beta-CIT or haloperidol, and the lack of striatal uptake during in vitro incubation prove that the DAT is not targeted. Brain uptake disappears when the tropane skeleton is replaced by a piperidine ring, and also in this case no striatal uptake is found in vitro.