N-(N-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-2-[18F]fluorobenzamide: a potential ligand for PET imaging of sigma receptors

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of [125/123I]-2-[4-(2-iodophenyl)piperidino]cyclopentanol([125/123I]-OI5V) as a potential sigma-1 receptor ligand for SPECT

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the characteristics of radio-iodinated 2-[4-(2-iodophenyl)piperidino]cyclopentanol (OI5V) as a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) ligand for mapping sigma-1 receptor (σ-1R), which plays an important role in stress remission in many organs.

METHODS

OI5V was synthesized from o-bromobenzaldehyde in three steps. OI5V was evaluated for its affinity to VAChT, σ-1 and σ-2 receptor by in vitro competitive binding assays using rat tissues and radioligands, [3H]vesamicol, ( +)-[3H]pentazocine and [3H]DTG, respectively. [125/123I]OI5V was prepared from o-trimethylstannyl-cyclopentanevesamicol (OT5V) by the iododestannylation reaction under no-carrier-added conditions. In vivo biodistribution study of [125I]OI5V in blood, brain regions and major organs of rats was performed at 2, 10, 30 and 60 min post-injection. In vivo blocking study and ex vivo autoradiography were performed to assess the binding selectivity of [125I]OI5V for σ-1 receptor. SPECT-CT imaging study was performed using [123I]OI5V.

RESULTS

OI5V demonstrated high selective binding affinity for σ-1R in vitro. In the biodistribution study, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of [125I]OI5V was high and the accumulation of [125I]OI5V in the rat cortex at 2 min post-injection exceeded 2.00%ID/g. In the in vivo blocking study, the accumulation of [125I]OI5V in the brain was significantly blocked by co-administration of 0.5 μmol of SA4503 and 1.0 μmol of pentazocine. Ex vivo autoradiography revealed that the regional brain accumulation of [125I]OI5V was similar to σ-1R-rich regions of the rat brain. SPECT images of [123I]OI5V in the rat brain reflected the distribution of sigma receptors in the brain.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that [125/123I]OI5V selectively binds σ-1R in the rat brain in vivo. [123I]OI5V was suggested to be useful as a σ-1R ligand for SPECT.

PET Imaging Evaluation of Four σ1 Radiotracers in Nonhuman Primates

The σ1 receptors (S1Rs) are implicated in a variety of diseases including Alzheimer disease and cancer. Previous PET S1R radiotracers are characterized by slow kinetics or off-target binding that impedes their use in humans. Here, we report the first PET imaging evaluation in rhesus monkeys of 4 18F-labeled spirocyclic piperidine-based PET radiotracers (18F-1 to 18F-4). Methods: Baseline scans for the 4 radiotracers were obtained on an adult male rhesus monkey. Blocking scans were obtained with the S1R-selective agonist SA4503 to assess binding specificity of 18F-2 and 18F-4 Arterial input functions were measured, and binding parameters were determined with kinetic modeling analysis. Results: In the rhesus brain, all 4 radiotracers showed high and fast uptake. Tissue activity washout was rapid for 18F-2 and 18F-4, and much slower for 18F-1 and 18F-3, in line with their respective in vitro S1R-binding affinities. Both the 1-tissue-compartment and multilinear analysis-1 kinetic models provided good fits of time-activity curves and reliable estimates of distribution volume. Regional distribution volume values were highest in the cingulate cortex and lowest in the thalamus for all radiotracers. 18F-4 showed greater differential uptake across brain regions and 3-fold-higher binding potential than 18F-2 SA4503 at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg blocked approximately 85% (18F-2) and 95% (18F-4) of radiotracer binding. Conclusion: Tracers 18F-2 and 18F-4 displayed high brain uptake and fast tissue kinetics, with 18F-4 having higher specific binding signals than 18F-2 in the same monkey. Taken together, these data indicate that both 18F-2 and 18F-4 possess the requisite kinetic and imaging properties as viable PET tracers for imaging S1R in the human brain.

Targeting Nanocarriers with Anisamide: Fact or Artifact?

Encapsulating chemotherapeutics in nanoparticles can reduce the side effects of intravenous administration and improve their antitumor efficacy. Additionally, surface decoration of the nanocarriers with tumor-targeting ligands may enhance their specificity for cancer cells overexpressing the corresponding ligand-binding counterpart. The focus here is on anisamide, a low-molecular-weight benzamide derivative used as a tumor-directing moiety in functionalized nanosystems, based on its alleged interaction with Sigma receptors. The scintigraphic agents that initially inspired the use of anisamide for tumor targeting are described, and the published anisamide-tethered nanocarrier formulations are reviewed, together with a critical overview of the ligand's tumor-targeting properties. Moreover, anisamide's putative but dubious cellular target, the Sigma-1 receptor, is discussed with regard to its subcellular localization and implications in cancer. Data from in vivo studies reveal that the effect of anisamide on the antitumor efficacy of the decorated nanosystems varies considerably among the published reports. Together with the evidence questioning the interaction of anisamide with the Sigma receptors, the variability of anisamide's effect on the tumor deposition and the antitumor efficacy of the decorated drug carriers calls into question the extent of the ligand's tumor-targeting effect. Further research is necessary to elucidate the ligand's utility in tumor targeting.

Fluorinated PET Tracers for Molecular Imaging of σ1 Receptors in the Central Nervous System

At first the role of σ1 receptors in various neurological, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders is discussed. In the second part, the principle of positron emission tomography (PET ) is described and the known fluorinated PET tracers for labeling of σ1 receptors are presented. The third part focuses on fluoroalkyl substituted spirocyclic PET tracers, which represent the most promising class of fluorinated PET tracers reported so far. The homologous fluoroalkyl derivatives 12-15 show high σ1 affinity (K i = 0.59-1.4 nM) and high selectivity over the σ2 subtype (408-1331-fold). The enantiomers of the fluoroethyl derivative fluspidine 13 were prepared and pharmacologically characterized. Whereas the (S)-configured enantiomer (S)-13 (K i = 2.3 nM) is 4-fold less active than the (R)-enantiomer (R)-13 (K i = 0.57 nM), (S)-13 is metabolically more stable. The interactions of (S)-13 and (R)-13 with the σ1 receptor were analyzed at the molecular level using the 3D homology model. In an automated radiosynthesis [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 were prepared by nucleophilic substitution of the tosylates (S)-17 and (R)-17 with K[18F]F in high radiochemical yield, high radiochemical purity and short reaction time. Application of both enantiomers [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 to mice and piglets led to fast uptake into the brain, but [18F](R)-13 did not show washout from the brain indicating a quasi-irreversible binding. Both radiotracers [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 were able to label regions in the mouse and piglet brain with high σ1 receptor density. The specific binding of the enantiomeric tracers [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 could be replaced by the selective σ1 ligand SA4503.

The development of radiotracers for imaging sigma (σ) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) using positron emission tomography (PET)

Sigma (σ) receptors are unique mammalian proteins, distributed in the central nervous system and elsewhere, which are increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of virtually all major central nervous system disorders. The heterogeneous but wide distribution of σ1 in the brain has prompted the development of selective radiotracers for imaging these sites using positron emission tomography (PET). To date, some 50 carbon-11-labelled and fluorine-18-labelled candidate PET radioligands targeting σ receptors have been reported. The historical development of selective σ1 receptor ligands as potential PET imaging agents, as well as the radiochemistry and application of the most recently developed examples, is described herein.

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [18F]N-(2-benzofuranylmethyl)-N'-[4-(2-fluoroethoxy)benzyl]piperazine, a novel σ1 receptor PET imaging agent

N-(2-Benzofuranylmethyl)-N'-[4-(2-fluoroethoxy)benzyl]piperazine (6, σ(1)K(i)=2.6 nM) was radiolabeled with fluorine-18 to provide a potential σ(1) receptor radioligand for use in positron emission tomography (PET). Radiofluorination of the appropriate tosylate precursor furnished [(18)F]6 with a specific activity of 45 GBq/μmol, in an average radiochemical yield of 18% and greater than 98% radiochemical purity. MicroPET imaging in Papio hamadryas baboon brain revealed [(18)F]6 uptake consistent with σ receptor distribution, and specificity for σ receptors was demonstrated in a haloperidol pre-treated animal. [(18)F]6 possesses suitable properties for PET imaging of σ(1) receptors, and further investigation of this σ(1) receptor tracer is warranted.

Molecular imaging of σ receptors: synthesis and evaluation of the potent σ1 selective radioligand [18F]fluspidine

PURPOSE

Neuroimaging of σ(1) receptors in the human brain has been proposed for the investigation of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. However, there is a lack of suitable (18)F-labelled PET radioligands for that purpose.

METHODS

The selective σ(1) receptor ligand [(18)F]fluspidine (1'-benzyl-3-(2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl)-3H-spiro[[2]benzofuran-1,4'-piperidine]) was synthesized by nucleophilic (18)F(-) substitution of the tosyl precursor. In vitro receptor binding affinity and selectivity were assessed by radioligand competition in tissue homogenate and autoradiographic approaches. In female CD-1 mice, in vivo properties of [(18)F]fluspidine were evaluated by ex vivo brain section imaging and organ distribution of intravenously administered radiotracer. Target specificity was validated by organ distribution of [(18)F]fluspidine after treatment with 1 mg/kg i.p. of the σ receptor antagonist haloperidol or the emopamil binding protein (EBP) inhibitor tamoxifen. In vitro metabolic stability and in vivo metabolism were investigated by LC-MS(n) and radio-HPLC analysis.

RESULTS

[(18)F]Fluspidine was obtained with a radiochemical yield of 35-45%, a radiochemical purity of ≥ 99.6% and a specific activity of 150-350 GBq/μmol (n = 6) within a total synthesis time of 90-120 min. In vitro, fluspidine bound specifically and with high affinity to σ(1) receptors (K (i) = 0.59 nM). In mice, [(18)F]fluspidine rapidly accumulated in brain with uptake values of 3.9 and 4.7%ID/g and brain to blood ratios of 7 and 13 at 5 and 30 min after intravenous application of the radiotracer, respectively. By ex vivo autoradiography of brain slices, resemblance between binding site occupancy of [(18)F]fluspidine and the expression of σ(1) receptors was shown. The radiotracer uptake in the brain as well as in peripheral σ(1) receptor expressing organs was significantly inhibited by haloperidol but not by tamoxifen. Incubation with rat liver microsomes led to a fast biotransformation of fluspidine. After an incubation period of 30 min only 13% of the parent compound was left. Seven metabolites were identified by HPLC-UV and LC-MS(n) techniques. However, [(18)F]fluspidine showed a higher metabolic stability in vivo. In plasma samples ∼ 94% of parent compound remained at 30 min and ∼ 67% at 60 min post-injection. Only one major radiometabolite was detected. None of the radiometabolites crossed the blood-brain barrier.

CONCLUSION

[(18)F]Fluspidine demonstrated favourable target affinity and specificity as well as metabolic stability both in vitro and in animal experiments. The in vivo properties of [(18)F]fluspidine offer a high potential of this radiotracer for neuroimaging and quantitation of σ(1) receptors in vivo.

Evaluation of spirocyclic 3-(3-fluoropropyl)-2-benzofurans as sigma1 receptor ligands for neuroimaging with positron emission tomography

A series of various N-substituted 3-(3-fluoropropyl)-3H-spiro[[2]benzofuran-1,4'-piperidines] (7) has been synthesized. In receptor binding studies, the N-benzyl derivative 7a (WMS-1813) revealed extraordinarily high sigma(1) receptor affinity (K(i) = 1.4 nM) and excellent sigma(1)/sigma(2) selectivity (>600 fold). In vitro biotransformation of 7a with rat liver microsomes led to three main metabolites. N-Debenzylation was inhibited by introduction of an N-phenylethyl residue (7 g). The PET tracer [(18)F]7a was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of the tosylate 13 with K[(18)F]F-K222-carbonate complex. The decay corrected radiochemical yield of [(18)F]7a was 35-48% with a radiochemical purity of >99.5% and a specific activity of 150-238 GBq/micromol. The radiotracer properties were evaluated in female CD-1 mice by organ distribution and ex vivo brain autoradiography. The radiotracer uptake in the brain was fast and sufficient, with values of approximately 4% injected dose per gram. Target specificity of [(18)F]7a was validated in blocking studies by preapplication of haloperidol, and significant reduction in the uptake of radioactivity was observed in the brain and peripheral organs expressing sigma(1) receptors.

Synthesis of 99mTc-nitrido heterocomplex of piperidine and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of its affinity for sigma receptors

Sigma receptors are overexpressed in various types of cancer cells, making ligands that bind to these receptors attractive vectors for targeting radiation to specific sites for the imaging and therapy of oncologic disorders. In this paper, we report the synthesis of a dithiocarbamate derivative of 4-amino-N-benzylpiperidine and its radiolabeling with the [(99m)TcN(PNP)](2+) metal synthon. The radiolabeled tracer has been evaluated for sigma-receptor specificity. The radiochemical purity of the (99m)Tc-complex was >98%. The in vitro cell-binding and competition studies of the complex showed affinity and specificity toward fibrosarcoma and melanoma cells. In vivo studies carried out in mice bearing melanoma and fibrosarcoma tumors showed tumor uptakes of 1% and 1.9%, respectively, at 3 hours postinjection. In vivo blocking studies were carried out, using (+)-pentazocine, a sigma-receptor-specific agent where approximately 40% decrease in the tumor uptake was observed. The affinity of [(99m)TcN(PNP)Pip-DTC](+) complex for sigma-receptor sites ascertained through in vitro and in vivo studies makes it a potential agent for further investigation.

Small molecule receptors as imaging targets

The aberrant expression and function of certain receptors in tumours and other diseased tissues make them preferable targets for molecular imaging. PET and SPECT radionuclides can be used to label specific ligands with high affinity for the target receptors. The functional information obtained from imaging these receptors can be used to better understand the systems under investigation and for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review discusses some of the aspects of receptor imaging with small molecule tracers by PET and SPECT and reviews some of the tracers for the receptor imaging of tumours and brain, heart and lung disorders.

A change of in vivo characteristics depending on specific activity of radioiodinated (+)-2-[4-(4-iodophenyl)piperidino]cyclohexanol [(+)-pIV] as a ligand for sigma receptor imaging

The radioiodinated (+)-p-iodovesamicol [(+)-pIV], which shows a high binding affinity for sigma-1 (sigma-1) receptors, is prepared by an exchange reaction. The specific activity (SA) is fairly low and therefore is insufficient for clinical use. In this study, we prepared (+)-[(125)I]pIV with a high SA from tributylstannyl precursor and compared the in vivo characteristics between high and low SA by imaging sigma-1 receptors in the central nervous system. In the biodistribution study, a difference in brain accumulation was observed between the two methods. At 30 min postinjection, the brain accumulation (1.58%ID/g) of low SA [0.6-1.1 TBq/mmol (16-30 Ci/mmol)] (+)-[(125)I]pIV was higher than that (1.34%ID/g) of high SA [>88.8 TBq/mmol (>2400 Ci/mmol)] (+)-[(125)I]pIV. In the blocking study, the brain uptake of high SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV was reduced more significantly by the coadministration of sigma ligands such as pentazocine, haloperidol or SA4503 than that of low SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV. These results showed that nonspecific binding of high SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV in the brain was lower than that of low SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV, and high SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV bound more specifically to sigma-1 receptors in the brain than low SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV. In contrast, in the blood-binding study, high SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV (58.4%) bound to blood cells with higher affinity than low SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV (46.0%). In metabolite studies, blood metabolites of high SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV (57.3+/-3.5%) were higher than those of low SA (+)-[(125)I]pIV (45.5+/-4.1%) at 30 min postinjection. Higher SA may be apt to bind to blood cells with higher affinity and to be metabolized faster.

In vivo characterization of radioiodinated (+)-2-[4-(4-iodophenyl) piperidino] cyclohexanol as a potential sigma-1 receptor imaging agent

In this study, the (+)-enantiomer of radioiodinated 2-[4-(4-iodophenyl)piperidino]cyclohexanol [(+)-[(125)I]-p-iodovesamicol] [(+)-[(125)I]pIV], which is reported to bind with high affinity to sigma-1 receptors in vitro, was tested for its usefulness in imaging sigma-1 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) in vivo. In biodistribution studies, significant amounts (approximately 3% of the injected dose) of (+)-[(125)I]pIV accumulated in rat brain, and its retention was prolonged. In blocking studies, the accumulation of (+)-[(125)I]pIV in the rat brain was significantly reduced by the coadministration of sigma-ligands such as pentazocine (5.0 micromol), haloperidol (0.5 micromol) or SA4503 (0.5 micromol). The blocking effect of pentazocine (selective sigma-1 ligand) was similar to the blocking effects of SA4503 and haloperidol [nonselective sigma (sigma-1 and sigma-2) ligands]. Ex vivo autoradiography of the rat brain at 45 min following intravenous injection of (+)-[(125)I]pIV showed high localization in brain areas rich in sigma-1 receptors. Thus, the distribution of (+)-[(125)I]pIV was thought to bind to sigma-1 receptors in the CNS in vivo. These results indicate that radioiodinated (+)-pIV may have the potential to image sigma-1 receptors in vivo.

Characterization of a novel iodinated sigma-2 receptor ligand as a cell proliferation marker

Overexpression of sigma-2 receptors in human tumors, such as melanoma, breast cancer, small cell lung carcinoma and prostate cancer, has been reported. Furthermore, the expression of sigma-2 receptors parallels the proliferative status of breast tumors implanted in nude mice. Thus, radiolabeled probes with a high affinity and high selectivity targeting sigma-2 receptors may be useful as tumor imaging agents. A conformationally flexible benzamide derivative, 5-bromo-2,3-dimethoxy-N-[2-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-butyl]-benzamide, displayed greater than 1,000-fold selectivity for sigma-2 receptors (K(i)=8.2 and 12,900 nM for sigma-2 and sigma-1, respectively). The corresponding radioiodinated ligand, 5-iodo-2,3-dimethoxy-N-[2-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-butyl]-benzamide ([(125)I]/[(123)I]I), was successfully prepared via an iododestannylation reaction. Binding studies carried out in membrane homogenates prepared from the mouse mammary tumor cell line (EMT6) with [(125)I]I showed the desired high binding affinity and high capacity (K(d)=0.68+/-0.06 nM, B(max)=1,005+/-46 fmol/mg protein). The sigma-2-like pharmacological profile of [(125)I]I binding sites was confirmed by competition studies. Similar binding parameters were also found in EMT6 xenografts (Day 10 and Day 19 implants) from BALB/c mice (K(d)=0.43-1.1 nM, B(max)=2,025-4,528 fmol/mg protein). It was determined by dissection and microSPECT imaging that [(125)I]/[(123)]I accumulated in EMT6 tumors established in BALB/c mice (Day 10 implants). Two hours after the tracer injection, the dissection ratio of EMT6 tumor to background (muscle) reached 6-7. However, microSPECT imaging could not clearly delineate the tumors, while the specific localization could be confirmed by ex vivo autoradiography. In summary, the novel iodinated ligand with high affinity and considerable selectivity for sigma-2 receptors may provide a useful tool to characterize sigma-2 receptors in vitro. Further modification of the ligand and the imaging parameters will be needed to improve the signal for in vivo detection.

N-[18F]4'-fluorobenzylpiperidin-4yl-(2-fluorophenyl) acetamide ([18F]FBFPA): a potential fluorine-18 labeled PET radiotracer for imaging sigma-1 receptors in the CNS

A series of brain uptake studies and PET imaging studies were conducted with the sigma(1) selective imaging agent, [(18)F]FBFPA. The results of the study indicate that this radiotracer readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and labels sigma(1) receptors in vivo. In vivo blocking studies with a sigma(1) selective ligand and a nonselective sigma(1)/sigma(2) receptor ligand indicates that [(18)F]FBFPA labels sigma(1) and not sigma(2) receptors in rodent brain. PET imaging studies demonstrated a high uptake in regions of rhesus monkey brain having a high density of sigma(1) receptors. The uptake of [(18)F]FBFPA was displaced by the sigma ligand, haloperidol (1 mg/kg, i.v.). In vivo blocking studies indicate that the progesterone blocked the brain uptake of [(18)F]FBFPA in rat brain. These data indicate that [(18)F]FBFPA is a potential radiotracer for imaging sigma(1) receptors in the CNS in vivo with PET.

Evaluation of [11C]SA5845 and [11C]SA4503 for imaging of sigma receptors in tumors by animal PET

Sigma receptors are expressed in a wide variety of tumor cell lines, and are expressed in proliferating cells. A radioligand for the visualization of sigma receptors could be useful for selective detection of primary tumors and their metastases, and for non-invasive assessment of tumor proliferative status. To this end we evaluated two sigma receptor ligands, [11C]SA5845 and [11C]SA4503. In an in vitro study, AH109A hepatoma showed moderate densities of sigma1 and sigma2 receptors, and VX-2 carcinoma showed a high density of sigma2 receptors: Bmax (fmol/mg protein) for sigma1 vs. sigma2, 1,700 vs. 1,200 for AH109A hepatoma and 800 vs. 10,000 for VX-2 carcinoma. In a cell growth assay in vitro, neither SA5845 nor SA4503 (<10 microM) showed any inhibitory effect on proliferation of the AH109A hepatoma cells. In rats, the uptake of [11C]SA5845 and [11C]SA4503 in AH109A tissues was accumulated over the first 60 minutes; however, the uptake of both tracers increased by co-injection with haloperidol as a sigma receptor ligand. On the other hand, in the PET studies of rabbits, the uptake of [11C]SA5845 in the VX-2 carcinoma was relatively higher than that of [11C]SA4503, because of a much higher density of sigma2 receptors compared to sigma1 receptors in the VX-2 tissue, and the uptake of both tracers in the VX-2 tissue was decreased by carrier-loading and pre-treatment with haloperidol ([11C]SA5845, 53% and 26%, respectively; [11C]SA4503, 41% and 22%, respectively at 30 minutes after injection). Therefore, [11C]SA5845 and [11C]SA4503 may be potential ligands for PET imaging of sigma receptor-rich tumors.

Imaging in breast cancer: Single-photon computed tomography and positron-emission tomography

Although mammography remains a key imaging method for the early detection and screening of breast cancer, the overall accuracy of this test remains low. Several radiopharmaceuticals have been proposed as adjunct imaging methods to characterize breast masses by single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron-emission tomography (PET). Useful in characterizing indeterminate palpable masses and in the detection of axillary metastases, these techniques are insufficiently sensitive to detect subcentimetric tumor deposits. Their role in staging nodal involvement of the axillary areas therefore currently remains limited. Several enzymes and receptors have been targeted for imaging breast cancers with PET. [¹⁸F]Fluorodeoxyglucose is particularly useful in the detection and staging of recurrent breast cancer and in assessing the response to chemotherapy. Several other ligands targeting proliferative activity, protein synthesis, and hormone and cell-membrane receptors may complement this approach by providing unique information about biological characteristics of breast cancer across primary and metastatic tumor sites.

Update on PET radiopharmaceuticals: life beyond fluorodeoxyglucose

Twenty-eight years after its inception, 2-[18F]FDG- is still the most widely used radiopharmaceutical for PET studies, but numerous more specific radiotracers have been developed and applied in neuroscience and oncology. The advances in radiotracer chemistry, especially the nucleophilic substitution reaction, have played the pivotal role in synthesizing various no-carrier-added 18F-labeled radiotracers for PET studies of various receptor systems. This article lists some of the radiotracers that are available for PET studies in neuroscience and oncology. The prospects for developing other new radiotracers for imaging other organ diseases also seem to be promising.

Molecular modeling of sigma 1 receptor ligands: a model of binding conformational and electrostatic considerations

We have performed molecular modeling studies on several sigma 1 specific ligands, including PD144418, spipethiane, haloperidol, pentazocine, and others to develop a pharmacophore for sigma 1 receptor-ligand binding, under the assumption that all the compounds interact at the same receptor binding site. The modeling studies have investigated the conformational and electrostatic properties of the ligands. Superposition of active molecules gave the coordinates of the hypothetical 5-point sigma 1 pharmacophore, as follows: R1 (0.85, 7.26, 0.30); R2 (5.47, 2.40, -1.51); R3 (-2.57, 4.82, -7.10); N (-0.71, 3.29, -6.40); carbon centroid (3.16, 4.83, -0.60), where R1, R2 were constructed onto the aromatic ring of each compound to represent hydrophobic interactions with the receptor; and R3 represents a hydrogen bond between the nitrogen atom and the receptor. Additional analyses were used to describe secondary binding sites to electronegative groups such as oxygen or sulfur atom. Those coordinates are (2.34, 5.08, -4.18). The model was verified by fitting other sigma 1 receptor ligands. This model may be used to search conformational databases for other possibly active ligands. In conjunction with rational drug design techniques the model may be useful in design and synthesis of novel sigma 1 ligands of high selectivity and potency. Calculations were performed using Sybyl 6.5.

A comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) study using semiempirical, density functional,ab initio methods and pharmacophore derivation using DISCOtech on sigma 1 ligands

The Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) was developed to investigate a three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model of ligands for the sigma 1 receptor. The starting geometry of sigma-1 receptor ligands was obtained from the Tripos force field minimizations and conformations were decided from DISCOtech using the SYBYL 6.8. program. The structures of 48 molecules were fully optimized at the ab initio HF/3-21G* and semiempirical AM1 calculations using GAUSSIAN 98. The electrostatic charges were calculated using several methods such as semiempirical AM1, density functional B3LYP/3-21G*, and ab initio HF/3-21G*, MP2/3-21G* calculations within GAUSSIAN 98. Using the optimized geometries, the CoMFA results derived from the HF/3-21G method were better than those from AM1. The best CoMFA was obtained from HF/3-21G* optimized geometry and charges (R2 = 0.977). Using the optimized geometries, the CoMFA results derived from the HF/3-21G methods were better than those from AM1 calculations. The training set of 43 molecules gave higher R2 (0.989-0.977) from HF/3-21G* optimized geometries than R2 (0.966-0.911) values from AM1 optimized geometries. The test set of five molecules also suggested that HF/3-21G* optimized geometries produced good CoMFA models to predict bioactivity of sigma 1 receptor ligands but AM1 optimized geometries failed to predict reasonable bioactivity of sigma 1 receptor ligands using different calculations for atomic charges.

Different brain kinetics of two sigma 1 receptor ligands, [3H](+)-pentazocine and [11C]SA4503, by P-glycoprotein modulation

We compared the brain kinetics of radiolabeled (+)-pentazocine and SA4503, which have a high and selective affinity for sigma(1) receptors. Brain uptake of [(11)C]SA4503 was high after intravenous injection followed by a gradual decrease in mice, whereas that of [(3)H](+)-pentazocine rapidly decreased. The brain uptake of the two radioligands was dose-dependently reduced, but the reduction of [(3)H](+)-pentazocine was found at higher doses. Percentages of the saturable binding of [(3)H](+)-pentazocine was much lower than that of [(11)C]SA4503. The brain uptake of [(3)H](+)-pentazocine was greatly blocked by SA4503 at a dose of 2 micromol/kg, while that of [(11)C]SA4503 was blocked by (+)-pentazocine at a dose of 20 micromol/kg and over. When mice were treated with cyclosporin A, a P-glycoprotein modulator, the uptake of [(3)H](+)-pentazocine was enhanced, but that of [(11)C]SA4503 was not. Under control and P-glycoprotein-modulated conditions, the brain uptake of both radioligands was reduced by haloperidol, another representative sigma receptor ligand, to a different extent. We concluded that the P-glycoprotein modulation resulted in the different brain kinetics of the two radioligands. The radiolabeled SA4503 is suitable as an in vivo probe, but radiolabeled (+)-pentazocine is not.

Synthesis and evaluation of 11C- and 18F-labeled 1-[2-(4-alkoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazines as sigma receptor ligands for positron emission tomography studies

We prepared sigma(1)-receptor selective 1-([4-methoxy-(11)C]-3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine ([(11)C]SA4503) and its fluorinated analog 1-([4-methoxy-(11)C]3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)propyl]piperazine ([(11)C]SA5845), and their [(11)C]ethoxy and [(18)F]fluoroethoxy analogs, and evaluated their potential for positron emission tomography studies. [(11)C]SA4503 is most selective for sigma(1) receptors, and the other five showed affinities for sigma(1) and sigma(2) receptors with a different extent. All radioligands showed the receptor-specific binding in the brain, and visualized similar regional brain distributions by ex vivo autoradiography. The [(11)C]ethoxy analogs were relatively labile for metabolism.

Development of a Tc-99m labeled sigma-2 receptor-specific ligand as a potential breast tumor imaging agent

A novel in vivo imaging agent, 99mTc labeled [(N-[2-((3'-N'-propyl-[3,3,1]aza-bicyclononan-3alpha-yl)(2"-methoxy-5-methyl-phenylcarbamate)(2-mercaptoethyl)amino)acetyl]-2-aminoethanethiolato] technetium(V) oxide), [99mTc]2, displaying specific binding towards sigma-2 receptors was prepared and characterized. In vitro binding assays showed that the rhenium surrogate of [99mTc]2, Re-2, displayed excellent binding affinity and selectivity towards sigma-2 receptors (K(i) = 2,723 and 22 nM for sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptor, respectively). Preparation of [99mTc]2 was achieved by heating the S-protected starting material, 1, in the presence of acid, reducing agent (stannous glucoheptonate) and sodium [99mTc]pertechnetate. The lipophilic racemic mixture was successfully prepared in 10 to 50% yield and the radiochemical purity was >98%. Separation of the isomers, peak A and peak B, was successfully achieved by using a chiralpak AD column eluted with an isocratic solvent (n-hexane/isopropanol; 3:1; v/v). The peak A and peak B appear to co-elute with the isomers of the surrogate, Re-2, under the same HPLC condition. Biodistribution studies in tumor bearing mice (mouse mammary adenocarcinoma, cell line 66, which is known to over-express sigma-2 receptors) showed that the racemic [99mTc]2 localized in the tumor. Uptake in the tumor was 2.11, 1.30 and 1.11 %dose/gram at 1, 4 and 8 hr post iv injection, respectively, suggesting good uptake and retention in the tumor cells. The tumor uptake was significantly, but incompletely, blocked (about 25-30% blockage) by co-injection of "cold" (+)pentazocine or haloperidol (1 mg/Kg). A majority of the radioactivity localized in the tumor tissue was extractable (>60%), and the HPLC analysis showed that it is the original compound, racemic [99mTc]2 (>98% pure). The distribution of the purified peak A and peak B was determined in the same tumor bearing mice at 4 hr post iv injection. The tumor uptake was similar for both isomers, but the blood and peripheral tissue content for the isomer in peak B was higher than that for the isomer in peak A. It is evident that the isomer in peak A displayed significantly better tumor/blood and tumor/muscle ratios. The higher rate of in vivo metabolism was also confirmed by the higher thyroid uptake values for the isomer in peak B as compared to peak A. In summary, a 99mTc-labeled sigma receptor imaging agent, [99mTc]2, has demonstrated the feasibility of using a 99mTc-labeled agent for imaging sigma receptor expression in tumor cells. This is the first time a subtype-selective 99mTc-labeled agent for imaging sigma receptor sites is reported.

N-(n-Benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-2-[18F]fluorobenzamide: a potential ligand for PET imaging of breast cancer

N-(N-Benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-2-[(18)F]fluorobenzamide (2), a potential ligand for PET imaging of sigma receptor, has been found to be a potential agent for detection of breast cancer. In vivo studies in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice bearing MDA-MB231 tumors showed that the uptake of compound 2 in these tumors was high (3.8%/g); the ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood were 6.2 and 7.0, respectively, at 1 h postinjection. Pretreatment of SCID mice with haldol increased the uptake of compound 2 in blood, muscle, and other well-perfused organs while decreasing its uptake in tumors. The ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood decreased from 6.2 and 7.0 to 1.3 and 1.1, respectively, at 1 h postinjection. At 2 h postinjection, the ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood decreased from 4.9 and 7.8 to 1.4 and 1.4, respectively. The tumor uptake of compound 2 in SCID mice bearing primary tumor explants from a human breast cancer patient was lower than that in MDA-MB231 tumors (1.66%/g versus 3.78%/g), and the ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood were 3.5 and 3.7, respectively, at 1 h postinjection. These results suggest that compound 2 may be a potential ligand for PET imaging of breast cancer.

Preclinical evaluation of [11C]SA4503: radiation dosimetry, in vivo selectivity and PET imaging of sigma1 receptors in the cat brain

Our previous in vivo study with rats has demonstrated that 11C-labeled 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine ([11C]SA4503) is a potential radioligand for mapping CNS sigmal receptors by positron emission tomography (PET). In the present study, we further characterized this ligand. The radiation absorbed-dose of [11C]SA4503 in humans estimated with the tissue distribution in mice, was higher in the liver, kidney and pancreas than in other organs studied, but was low enough for clinical use. The brain uptake of [11C]SA4503 in mice was reduced to approximately 60-70% by co-injection of carrier SA4503 and haloperidol, but not by co-injection of any of six ligands for sigma2 or other receptors, for which SA4503 showed in vitro >100 times weaker affinity than for signal receptor. In the cat brain, the uptake in the cortex was higher than that in the cerebellum. The radioactivity in the cortex and cerebellum accumulated for the first 10 min and then gradually decreased until 81.5 min in the baseline measurement, but rapidly decreased in the carrier-loading condition. The receptor-mediated uptake was estimated to be approximately 60-65% of the total radioactivity in the cortex and cerebellum at 76 min after tracer injection. We have concluded that [11C]SA4503 has the potential for mapping sigma1 receptor by PET.

In vivo evaluation of [(11)C]SA4503 as a PET ligand for mapping CNS sigma(1) receptors

The potential of the (11)C-labeled selective sigma(1) receptor ligand 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine ([(11)C]SA4503) was evaluated in vivo as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for mapping sigma(1) receptors in rats. SA4503 is known to have a high affinity (IC(50) = 17.4 nM) and a higher selectivity (sigma(1)/sigma(2) = 103) for the sigma(1) receptor. A high and increasing brain uptake of [(11)C]SA4503 was found. Pre-, co- and postinjection of cold SA4503 significantly decreased uptake of [(11)C]SA4503 in the brain, spleen, heart, lung, and kidney in which sigma receptors are present as well as in the skeletal muscle. In the blocking study with one of four sigma receptor ligands including haloperidol, (+)-pentazocine, SA4503, and (-)-pentazocine (in the order of their affinity for sigma(1) receptor subtype), SA4503 and haloperidol significantly reduced the brain uptake of [(11)C]SA4503 to approximately 30% of the control, but the other two benzomorphans did not. A high specific uptake of [(11)C]SA4503 by the brain was also confirmed by ex vivo autoradiography (ARG) and PET. Ex vivo ARG showed a higher uptake in the vestibular nucleus, temporal cortex, cingulate cortex, inferior colliculus, thalamus, and frontal cortex, and a moderate uptake in the parietal cortex and caudate putamen. Peripherally, the blocking effects of the four ligands depended on their affinity for sigma(1) receptors. No (11)C-labeled metabolite was detected in the brain 30 min postinjection, whereas approximately 20% of the radioactivity was found as (11)C-labeled metabolites in plasma. These results have demonstrated that the (11)C-labeled sigma(1) receptor ligand [(11)C]SA4503 has a potential for mapping sigma(1) receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral organs.

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [11C]SA6298 as a PET sigma1 receptor ligand

The potential of a 11C-labeled selective sigma1 receptor ligand, 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-[3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)propyl]piperazine ([11C]SA6298), was evaluated as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for mapping sigma, receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. [11C]SA6298 was synthesized by methylation of the desmethyl SA6298 with [11C]CH3I, with the decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 39 +/- 5% based on [11C]CH3I and with the specific activity of 53 +/- 17 TBq/mmol within 20 min from end of bombardment (EOB). In mice, the uptake of [11C]SA6298 was significantly decreased by carrier loading in the brain, liver, spleen, heart, lung, small intestine, and kidney in which sigma receptors are present as well as in the skeletal muscle. Pretreatment with SA6298 also blocked the uptake of [11C]SA6298 by these organs except for the small intestine, but significant displacement of [11C]SA6298 by posttreatment with SA6298 was observed only in the heart, lung, and muscle. In the blocking study with one of the eight sigma receptor ligands, including haloperidol, SA6298, NE-100, (+)-pentazocine, SA4503, (-)-pentazocine, (+)-3-PPP, and (+)-SKF 10,047 (in the order of the affinity for sigma1 receptor subtype), only SA6298 and an analog SA4503 significantly reduced the brain uptake of [11C]SA6298 to approximately 80% of the control, but the other six ligands did not. Peripherally, the uptake of [11C]SA6298 by the organs described above was decreased predominantly by SA6298 or SA4503, but the blocking effects of the other five ligands except for NE-100 depended on their affinity for sigma1 receptors. The saturable brain uptake of [11C]SA6298, approximately 20%, was also observed by tissue dissection method in rats and by PET in a cat. Ex vivo autoradiography of the rat brain showed a high uptake in the cortex and thalamus. In the cat brain a relatively high uptake was found in the cortex, thalamus, striatum, and cerebellum. These results have indicated a receptor-mediated uptake of the tracer to some extent in the brain and peripheral organs. However, the tracer has a limited potential for the PET study of the brain receptors because of a relatively high nonspecific binding.