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Fu H, Rong J, Chen Z, Zhou J, Collier T, Liang SH. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging Tracers for Serotonin Receptors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10755-10808. [PMID: 35939391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) have crucial roles in various neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, making them attractive diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive nuclear molecular imaging technique and is an essential tool in clinical diagnosis and drug discovery. In this context, numerous PET ligands have been developed for "visualizing" 5-HTRs in the brain and translated into human use to study disease mechanisms and/or support drug development. Herein, we present a comprehensive repertoire of 5-HTR PET ligands by focusing on their chemotypes and performance in PET imaging studies. Furthermore, this Perspective summarizes recent 5-HTR-focused drug discovery, including biased agonists and allosteric modulators, which would stimulate the development of more potent and subtype-selective 5-HTR PET ligands and thus further our understanding of 5-HTR biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jian Rong
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zhen Chen
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jingyin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Thomas Collier
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Steven H Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Mangeant R, Dubost E, Cailly T, Collot V. Radiotracers for the Central Serotoninergic System. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050571. [PMID: 35631397 PMCID: PMC9143978 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This review lists the most important radiotracers described so far for imaging the central serotoninergic system. Single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography radiotracers are reviewed and critically discussed for each receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynald Mangeant
- Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN), UNICAEN, Normandie Univ., 14000 Caen, France; (R.M.); (E.D.)
- Institut Blood and Brain @ Caen Normandie (BB@C), Boulevard Henri Becquerel, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Emmanuelle Dubost
- Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN), UNICAEN, Normandie Univ., 14000 Caen, France; (R.M.); (E.D.)
- Institut Blood and Brain @ Caen Normandie (BB@C), Boulevard Henri Becquerel, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Thomas Cailly
- Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN), UNICAEN, Normandie Univ., 14000 Caen, France; (R.M.); (E.D.)
- Institut Blood and Brain @ Caen Normandie (BB@C), Boulevard Henri Becquerel, 14000 Caen, France
- UNICAEN, IMOGERE, Normandie Univ., 14000 Caen, France
- CHU Côte de Nacre, Department of Nuclear Medicine, 14000 Caen, France
- Correspondence: (T.C.); (V.C.)
| | - Valérie Collot
- Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN), UNICAEN, Normandie Univ., 14000 Caen, France; (R.M.); (E.D.)
- Institut Blood and Brain @ Caen Normandie (BB@C), Boulevard Henri Becquerel, 14000 Caen, France
- Correspondence: (T.C.); (V.C.)
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Willmann M, Hegger J, Neumaier B, Ermert J. Radiosynthesis and Biological Evaluation of [ 18F]R91150, a Selective 5-HT 2A Receptor Antagonist for PET-Imaging. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:738-744. [PMID: 34055220 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors in cortical and forebrain regions are an important substrate for the neuromodulatory actions of serotonin in the brain. They have been implicated in the etiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders and serve as a target for antipsychotic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic drugs. Positron emission tomography imaging using suitable radioligands can be applied for in vivo quantification of receptor densities and receptor occupancy for therapy evaluation. Recently, the radiosynthesis of the selective 5-HT2AR antagonist [18F]R91150 was reported. However, the six-step radiosynthesis is cumbersome and time-consuming with low radiochemical yields (RCYs) of <5%. In this work, [18F]R91150 was prepared using late-stage Cu-mediated radiofluorination to simplify its synthesis. The detailed protocol enabled us to obtain RCYs of 14 ± 1%, and the total synthesis time was reduced to 60 min. In addition, autoradiographic studies with [18F]R91150 in rat brain slices revealed the typical uptake pattern of 5-HT2A receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Willmann
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-5, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Julian Hegger
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-5, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Bernd Neumaier
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-5, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Uniklinik Köln, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, 50937 Köln, Germany
| | - Johannes Ermert
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-5, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), 52425 Jülich, Germany
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Characterization of the serotonin 2A receptor selective PET tracer (R)-[ 18F]MH.MZ in the human brain. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2019; 47:355-365. [PMID: 31606832 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-019-04527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The serotonin receptor subtype 2A antagonist (5-HT2AR) (R)-[18F]MH.MZ has in preclinical studies been identified as a promising PET imaging agent for quantification of cerebral 5-HT2ARs. It displays a very similar selectivity profile as [11C]MDL 100907, one of the most selective compounds identified thus far for the 5-HT2AR. As [11C]MDL 100907, (R)-[18F]MH.MZ also displays slow brain kinetics in various animal models; however, the half-life of fluorine-18 allows for long scan times and consequently, a more precise determination of 5-HT2AR binding could still be feasible. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of (R)-[18F]MH.MZ PET to image and quantify the 5-HT2AR in the human brain in vivo. METHODS Nine healthy volunteers underwent (R)-[18F]MH.MZ PET at baseline and four out of these also received a second PET scan, after ketanserin pretreatment. Regional time-activity curves of 17 brain regions were analyzed before and after pretreatment. We also investigated radiometabolism, time-dependent stability of outcomes measures, specificity of (R)-[18F]MH.MZ 5-HT2AR binding, and performance of different kinetic modeling approaches. RESULTS Highest uptake was determined in 5-HT2AR rich regions with a BPND of approximately 1.5 in cortex regions. No radiometabolism was observed. 1TCM and 2TCM resulted in similar outcome measure, whereas reference tissue models resulted in a small, but predictable bias. (R)-[18F]MH.MZ binding conformed to the known distribution of 5-HT2AR and could be blocked by pretreatment with ketanserin. Moreover, outcomes measures were stable after 100-110 min. CONCLUSION (R)-[18F]MH.MZ is a suitable PET tracer to image and quantify the 5-HT2AR system in humans. In comparison with [11C]MDL 100907, faster and more precise outcome measure could be obtained using (R)-[18F]MH.MZ. We believe that (R)-[18F]MH.MZ has the potential to become the antagonist radiotracer of choice to investigate the human 5-HT2AR system.
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Edgar FG, Hansen HD, Leth-Petersen S, Ettrup A, Kristensen JL, Knudsen GM, Herth MM. Synthesis, radiofluorination, and preliminary evaluation of the potential 5-HT 2A receptor agonists [ 18 F]Cimbi-92 and [ 18 F]Cimbi-150. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2017; 60:586-591. [PMID: 28856700 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
An agonist PET tracer is of key interest for the imaging of the 5-HT2A receptor, as exemplified by the previously reported success of [11 C]Cimbi-36. Fluorine-18 holds several advantages over carbon-11, making it the radionuclide of choice for clinical purposes. In this respect, an 18 F-labelled agonist 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2A R) tracer is highly sought after. Herein, we report a 2-step, 1-pot labelling methodology of 2 tracer candidates. Both ligands display high in vitro affinities for the 5-HT2A R. The compounds were synthesised from easily accessible labelling precursors, and radiolabelled in acceptable radiochemical yields, sufficient for in vivo studies in domestic pigs. PET images partially conformed to the expected brain distribution of the 5-HT2A R; a notable exception however being significant uptake in the striatum and thalamus. Additionally, a within-scan displacement challenge with a 5-HT2A R antagonist was unsuccessful, indicating that the tracers cannot be considered optimal for neuroimaging of the 5-HT2A R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser Graeme Edgar
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne D Hansen
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anders Ettrup
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias M Herth
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Kumar JSD, Mann JJ. PET tracers for serotonin receptors and their applications. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2015; 14:96-112. [PMID: 25360773 DOI: 10.2174/1871524914666141030124316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin receptors (5-HTRs) are implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and are also targets for drug therapy. In the CNS, most of these receptors are expressed in high abundance in specific brain regions reflecting their role in brain functions. Quantifying binding to 5-HTRs in vivo may permit assessment of physiologic and pathologic conditions, and monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment response, and for investigating new treatment modalities. Positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging has the sensitivity to quantify binding of 5-HTRs in CNS disorders and to measure drug occupancy as part of a process of new drug development. Although research on PET imaging of 5-HTRs have been performed more than two decades, the successful radiotracers so far developed for human studies are limited to 5-HT₁AR, 5-HT₁BR, 5-HT₂AR, 5-HT₄R and 5-HT₆R. Herein we review the development and application of radioligands for PET imaging of 5-HTRs in living brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Box: 42, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Herth MM, Knudsen GM. Current radiosynthesis strategies for 5-HT2Areceptor PET tracers. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2015; 58:265-73. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias M. Herth
- Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging; Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen; Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen DK-2100 Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology; University of Copenhagen; Jagtvej 160 Copenhagen DK-2100 Denmark
| | - Gitte M. Knudsen
- Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging; Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen; Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen DK-2100 Denmark
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Andersen VL, Hansen HD, Herth MM, Dyssegaard A, Knudsen GM, Kristensen JL. 11C-labeling and preliminary evaluation of pimavanserin as a 5-HT2A receptor PET-radioligand. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:1053-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kniess T, Laube M, Brust P, Steinbach J. 2-[18F]Fluoroethyl tosylate – a versatile tool for building18F-based radiotracers for positron emission tomography. MEDCHEMCOMM 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5md00303b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The review highlights the role of 2-[18F]fluoroethyltosylate ([18F]FETs) in PET radiotracer design since it is a preferred labeling reagent according to its high reactivity to phenolic, amine, thiophenolic and carboxylic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Kniess
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research
- Dresden
- Germany
| | - Markus Laube
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research
- Dresden
- Germany
| | - Peter Brust
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research
- Dresden
- Germany
| | - Jörg Steinbach
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research
- Dresden
- Germany
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10
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Radiosynthesis of 10-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)-20(S)-camptothecin as a potential positron emission tomography tracer for the imaging of topoisomerase I in cancers. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-013-2862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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11
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Hansen HD, Ettrup A, Herth MM, Dyssegaard A, Ratner C, Gillings N, Knudsen GM. Direct comparison of [(18) F]MH.MZ and [(18) F] altanserin for 5-HT2A receptor imaging with PET. Synapse 2013; 67:328-37. [PMID: 23390031 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Imaging the cerebral serotonin 2A (5-HT2A ) receptors with positron emission tomography (PET) has been carried out in humans with [(11) C]MDL 100907 and [(18) F]altanserin. Recently, the MDL 100907 analogue [(18) F]MH.MZ was developed combining the selectivity profile of MDL 100907 and the favourable radiophysical properties of fluorine-18. Here, we present a direct comparison of [(18) F]altanserin and [(18) F]MH.MZ. 5-HT2A receptor binding in pig cortex and cerebellum was investigated by autoradiography with [(3) H]MDL 100907, [(18) F]MH.MZ, and [(18) F]altanserin. [(18) F]MH.MZ and [(18) F]altanserin were investigated in Danish Landrace pigs by brain PET scanning at baseline and after i.v. administration of blocking doses of ketanserin. Full arterial input function and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis allowed for tissue-compartment kinetic modeling of PET data. In vitro autoradiography showed high binding in cortical regions with both [(18) F]MH.MZ and [(18) F]altanserin. Significant 5-HT2A receptor binding was also found in the pig cerebellum, thus making this region unsuitable as a reference region for in vivo data analysis in this species. The cortical binding of [(18) F]MH.MZ and [(18) F]altanserin was blocked by ketanserin supporting that both radioligands bind to 5-HT2A receptors in the pig brain. In the HPLC analysis of pig plasma, [(18) F]MH.MZ displayed a fast and reproducible metabolism resulting in hydrophilic radiometabolites only whereas the metabolic profile of [(18) F]altanserin as expected showed lipophilic radiometabolites. Due to the slow kinetics of [(18) F]MH.MZ in high-binding regions in vivo, we suggest that [(18) F]MH.MZ will be an appropriate tracer for low binding regions where kinetics will be faster, whereas [(18) F]altanserin is a suitable tracer for high-binding regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne D Hansen
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
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Direct radiofluorination of [18F]MH.MZ for 5-HT2A receptor molecular imaging with PET. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.2947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Shashack MJ, Cunningham KA, Seitz PK, McGinnis A, Smith TD, Watson CS, Gilbertson SR. Synthesis and evaluation of dimeric derivatives of 5-HT(2A) receptor (5-HT(2A)R) antagonist M-100907. ACS Chem Neurosci 2011; 2:640-644. [PMID: 22247793 DOI: 10.1021/cn200077q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that at least some serotonin receptors exist in dimeric and oligmeric forms. The linking of receptor ligands has been shown to have potential in the development of selective agonists and antagonists for traditionally refractive receptors. Here we report the development of a dimeric version of the known 5-HT(2A)R antagonist, M-100907. Derivatives of M-100907 were synthesized to determine an appropriate site for the linker connection. Then, homodimers with polyether linkers of different lengths were functionally tested in a bioassay to determine the optimal linker length. Attachment at the catechol of M-100907 with linkers between 12 and 18 atoms in length proved to be optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Shashack
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0615, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0615, United States
| | - Patricia K. Seitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0615, United States
| | - Andrew McGinnis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0615, United States
| | - Thressa D. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0615, United States
| | - Cheryl S. Watson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-0647, United States
| | - Scott R. Gilbertson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-5003, United States
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Schmitt U, Lee DE, Herth MM, Piel M, Buchholz HG, Roesch F, Hiemke C, Lueddens H, Debus F. P-glycoprotein influence on the brain uptake of a 5-HT(2A) ligand: [(18)F]MH.MZ. Neuropsychobiology 2011; 63:183-90. [PMID: 21304228 DOI: 10.1159/000321594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The serotonergic system, especially the 5-HT(2A) receptor, is involved in various diseases and conditions. We have recently developed a new [(18)F]-5-HT(2A) receptor ligand using an analogue, MDL 100907, as a basis for molecular imaging with positron emission tomography. This tracer, [(18)F]MH.MZ, has been shown to be an adequate tool to visualize the 5-HT(2A) receptors in vivo. However, [(18)F]altanserin, similar in chemical structure, is a substrate of efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), of the blood-brain barrier, thus limiting its availability in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine whether transport by P-gp influences the distribution ratio of [(18)F]MH.MZ in the frontal cortex. METHODS The approach was based on P-gp knockout mice which were compared with wild-type mice under several conditions. In vivo pharmacokinetic and microPET investigations were carried out. RESULTS All analyses showed that [(18)F]MH.MZ entered the brain and was sensitive to P-gp transport. In P-gp knockout mice, brain concentrations of MH.MZ were about 5-fold higher than in wild-type animals which is reflected by a 2-fold increase in standardized uptake values of [(18)F]MH.MZ in the frontal cortex of P-gp knockout mice. CONCLUSION Our results give evidence for a functional role of transport mechanisms at the blood-brain barrier, specifically of P-gp, and its subregional distribution. Investigation of these mechanisms will benefit the development of more efficient radioligands and drugs for molecular imaging and pharmacotherapy of the mentally ill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Schmitt
- Institute of Nuclear Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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15
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Paterson LM, Kornum BR, Nutt DJ, Pike VW, Knudsen GM. 5-HT radioligands for human brain imaging with PET and SPECT. Med Res Rev 2011; 33:54-111. [PMID: 21674551 DOI: 10.1002/med.20245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic system plays a key modulatory role in the brain and is the target for many drug treatments for brain disorders either through reuptake blockade or via interactions at the 14 subtypes of 5-HT receptors. This review provides the history and current status of radioligands used for positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging of human brain serotonin (5-HT) receptors, the 5-HT transporter (SERT), and 5-HT synthesis rate. Currently available radioligands for in vivo brain imaging of the 5-HT system in humans include antagonists for the 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(2A), and 5-HT(4) receptors, and for SERT. Here we describe the evolution of these radioligands, along with the attempts made to develop radioligands for additional serotonergic targets. We describe the properties needed for a radioligand to become successful and the main caveats. The success of a PET or SPECT radioligand can ultimately be assessed by its frequency of use, its utility in humans, and the number of research sites using it relative to its invention date, and so these aspects are also covered. In conclusion, the development of PET and SPECT radioligands to image serotonergic targets is of high interest, and successful evaluation in humans is leading to invaluable insight into normal and abnormal brain function, emphasizing the need for continued development of both SPECT and PET radioligands for human brain imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Paterson
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, Du Cane Road, London, United Kingdom
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Measuring serotonin synthesis: from conventional methods to PET tracers and their (pre)clinical implications. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2010; 38:576-91. [PMID: 21113591 PMCID: PMC3034914 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-010-1663-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic system of the brain is complex, with an extensive innervation pattern covering all brain regions and endowed with at least 15 different receptors (each with their particular distribution patterns), specific reuptake mechanisms and synthetic processes. Many aspects of the functioning of the serotonergic system are still unclear, partially because of the difficulty of measuring physiological processes in the living brain. In this review we give an overview of the conventional methods of measuring serotonin synthesis and methods using positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, more specifically with respect to serotonergic function in affective disorders. Conventional methods are invasive and do not directly measure synthesis rates. Although they may give insight into turnover rates, a more direct measurement may be preferred. PET is a noninvasive technique which can trace metabolic processes, like serotonin synthesis. Tracers developed for this purpose are α-[11C]methyltryptophan ([11C]AMT) and 5-hydroxy-L-[β-11C]tryptophan ([11C]5-HTP). Both tracers have advantages and disadvantages. [11C]AMT can enter the kynurenine pathway under inflammatory conditions (and thus provide a false signal), but this tracer has been used in many studies leading to novel insights regarding antidepressant action. [11C]5-HTP is difficult to produce, but trapping of this compound may better represent serotonin synthesis. AMT and 5-HTP kinetics are differently affected by tryptophan depletion and changes of mood. This may indicate that both tracers are associated with different enzymatic processes. In conclusion, PET with radiolabelled substrates for the serotonergic pathway is the only direct way to detect changes of serotonin synthesis in the living brain.
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Kramer V, Herth MM, Santini MA, Palner M, Knudsen GM, Rösch F. Research Letter: Structural Combination of Established 5-HT2A Receptor Ligands: New Aspects of the Binding Mode. Chem Biol Drug Des 2010; 76:361-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2010.01011.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Debus F, Herth MM, Piel M, Buchholz HG, Bausbacher N, Kramer V, Lüddens H, Rösch F. 18F-Labeling and evaluation of novel MDL 100907 derivatives as potential 5-HT2A antagonists for molecular imaging. Nucl Med Biol 2010; 37:487-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 02/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Daniels S, Tohid SFM, Velanguparackel W, Westwell AD. The role and future potential of fluorinated biomarkers in positron emission tomography. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2010; 5:291-304. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441003652967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Synthesis and in vitro affinities of various MDL 100907 derivatives as potential 18F-radioligands for 5-HT2A receptor imaging with PET. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:2989-3002. [PMID: 19329329 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2008] [Revised: 03/06/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Radiolabelled piperidine derivatives such as [(11)C]MDL 100907 and [(18)F]altanserin have played an important role in diagnosing malfunction in the serotonergic neurotransmission. A variety of novel piperidine MDL 100907 derivatives, possible to label with (18)F-fluorine, were synthesized to improve molecular imaging properties of [(11)C]MDL 100907. Their in vitro affinities to a broad spectrum of neuroreceptors and their lipophilicities were determined and compared to the clinically used reference compounds MDL 100907 and altanserin. The novel compounds MA-1 (53) and (R)-MH.MZ (56) show K(i)-values in the nanomolar range towards the 5-HT(2A) receptor and insignificant binding to other 5-HT receptor subtypes or receptors. Interestingly, compounds MA-1 (53), MH.MZ (55) and (R)-MH.MZ (56) provide a receptor selectivity profile similar to MDL 100907. These compounds could possibly be preferable antagonistic (18)F-tracers for visualization of the 5-HT(2A) receptor status. Medium affine compounds (VK-1 (32), (51), (52), (54)) were synthesized and have K(i) values between 30 and 120 nM. All promising compounds show logP values between 2 and 3, that is, within the range of those for the established radiotracers altanserin and MDL 100907. The novel compounds MA-1 (53) and (R)-MH.MZ (56) thus appear to be promising high affine and selective tracers of (18)F-labelled analogues for 5-HT(2A) imaging with PET.
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