General Scheme for Oxidative Quenching of a Copper Bis-Phenanthroline Photosensitizer for Light-Driven Hydrogen Production

A new, general reaction scheme for photocatalytic hydrogen production is presented based on oxidative quenching of a homoleptic copper(I) bis-1,10-phenanthroline photosensitizer (PS) by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP(+) ) as the electron relay and subsequent regeneration of the so formed copper(II) complex by a sacrificial electron donor. Electron transfer from the relay to various cobalt based water reduction catalysts and subsequent H2 production was shown to close the catalytic cycle. Transient absorption experiments unambiguously confirmed the proposed pathway, both the oxidative quenching and subsequent regeneration of oxidized PS. Photocatalytic test runs further confirmed the role of MPP(+) and up to 10 turnovers were achieved in the relay. The performance limiting factor of the system was shown to be the decomplexation of the copper PS. Quantum yields of the system were 0.03 for H2 production, but 0.6 for MPP(.) formation, clearly indicating that unproductive pathways still prevail.

Cobalt complexes of tetradentate, bipyridine-based macrocycles: their structures, properties and photocatalytic proton reduction

Photocatalytic proton reduction is demonstrated using a new type of cobalt catalyst with macrocyclic bis-bipyridine ligand frameworks, achieving turnover numbers up to 20 000 H₂/Co.

Towards99mTc-based imaging agents with effective doxorubicin mimetics: a molecular and cellular study

^99mTc and Re conjugates of Doxorubicin accumulate in the nucleus, bind tightly to DNA and retain hTopoII inhibition.

Photocatalytic proton reduction with ruthenium and cobalt complexes immobilized on fumed reversed-phase silica

Heterogeneous photocatalytic hydrogen production with a non-covalently immobilized molecular ruthenium based photosensitizer (PS) and a cobalt polypyridyl based water reducing catalyst (WRC) is reported. PS and WRC were derivatized with C₁₈-alkyl chains and immobilized by adsorption on hydrophobic fumed silica. The resulting loaded support was suspended in water with anionic or cationic surfactants and subjected to heterogeneous photocatalytic H₂ production with ascorbate as sacrificial electron donor (SED). No leaching was observed under catalytic conditions, thus catalysis was truly heterogeneous. The catalytic performance of immobilized PS and WRC clearly exceeded that of homogeneous catalysis at low concentrations. At high concentration, diffusion and light limitation lead to lower reaction rates, but the same stability as for homogeneous reactions was still achieved. WRC concentration variations indicated a relatively high stability (up to 1300 H₂/Co) and mobility of amphiphilic catalysts on the hydrophobic silica surface. Comparison of fumed silica with porous and non-porous silica showed, that a high BET surface area along with a good accessibility from the reaction media are crucial for catalytic performance. Mechanistic investigations by transient absorption spectroscopy displayed reductive quenching of excited PS by ascorbate followed by on particle electron transfer to WRC as reaction pathway. Particles with additional cationic surfactants exhibited a significantly higher catalytic performance as compared to anionic surfactants. Non-covalent anchoring of correspondingly derivatized WRCs or PSs to reversed-phase silica offers a rapid and versatile transition from homogeneous to heterogeneous molecular proton reduction.

(99m)Tc radiolabelling of Fe3O4-Au core-shell and Au-Fe3O4 dumbbell-like nanoparticles

The development of nanoparticle-based dual-modality probes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is increasingly growing in importance. One of the most commonly used radionuclides for clinical SPECT imaging is (99m)Tc and the labelling of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with (99m)Tc was shown to be a successful strategy to obtain dual-modality imaging agents. In this work, we focus on gold containing magnetic nanomaterials. The radiolabelling of magnetic Fe3O4-Au core-shell and Fe3O4-Au dumbbell-like nanoparticles with the [(99m)Tc(CO)3](+) fragment is described. The key elements for this (99m)Tc labelling approach are novel coating ligands, consisting of an anchor for the Au surface, a polyethylene glycol linker and a strong chelator for the [(99m)Tc(CO)3](+) moiety.

EXAFS analyses of technetium(I) carbonyl complexes – stability studies in solutions

EXAFS analyses were successfully used to determine the structure of Re and Tc carbonyl thioether complexes in solid and liquid samples. In connection with chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods the behaviour of Tc carbonyl dithioether complexes in aqueous solution was studied. It was found that complexes containing a bidentate thioether ligand are able to react with water by exchange of the chloride ion, which results in the formation of a cationic complex. As expected, the exchange proceeds faster at the n.c.a. level because of concentration differences.

Comparison of in vitro and in vivo properties of [99mTc]cRGD peptides labeled using different novel Tc-cores

AIM

The alfa(v)beta(3) integrin is involved in angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-peptides bind with high affinity to this integrin. This study compares the influence of (99m)Tc-labeling applying novel Technetium-cores on imaging characteristics of the radiolabeled peptide.

METHODS

Different peptide conjugates based on the cyclic pentapeptide c(RGDyK) (cRGD) were prepared and characterized (HYNIC-, Cys-, L2- and Pz1-cRGD). Radiolabeling experiments using different coligands for HYNIC-cRGD, the (99m)Tc(CO)(3) metal fragment for PZ-1-cRGD (pyrazolyl-derivative), the Tc-nitrido-core using a phosphine-coligand (PNP) for Cys-cRGD and an isonitrile-conjugate (L2-cRGD) together with a NS(3)-coligand (4+1 concept) were performed and showed labeling yields >90% at high specific activities.

RESULTS

A high in vitro stability was observed, plasma protein binding and lipophilicity varied considerably between different radiolabeled cRGD conjugates. Experiments on biological activity of the radiolabeled peptides using alfa(v)beta(3) positive (M21) and negative (M21L) tumor cells did show specific uptake of various conjugates. Studies in tumor bearing animals revealed significant differences between different conjugates concerning pharmacokinetic behavior (predominant renal excretion to considerable hepatobiliary clearance) as well as tumor uptake (0.2-2.7%ID/g). Highest specific tumor uptake and tumor/background values were found for [(99m)Tc]EDDA/HYNIC-c(RGDyK), [(99m)Tc]Nitrido-PNP-Cys-c(RGDyK) and [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)]-Pz1-c(RGDyK).

CONCLUSIONS

Using novel Tc-cores such as the (99m)Tc(CO)(3) metal fragment, Tc-nitrido- and the 4+1 concept peptides could be labeled with [(99m)Tc]technetium at high specific activities resulting in complexes with high stability, but binding moieties have to be optimized especially concerning hydrophilicity resulting in renal rather than hepatobiliary excretion. This comparative study underlines that peptide labeling strategies using (99m)Tc have to be properly selected and optimized. Different in vitro assays are necessary to predict targeting properties in vivo.

(S)-(2-(2‘-Pyridyl)ethyl)cysteamine and (S)-(2-(2‘-Pyridyl)ethyl)-d,l-homocysteine as Ligands for the “fac-[M(CO)3]+” (M = Re, 99mTc) Core

The reaction of fac-[NEt(4)](2)[Re(CO)(3)Br(3)] with (S)-(2-(2'-pyridyl)ethyl)cysteamine, L(1), in methanol leads to the formation of the cationic fac-[Re(CO)(3)(NSN)][Br] complex, 1, with coordination of the nitrogen of the pyridine, the sulfur of the thioether, and the nitrogen of the primary amine. When fac-[NEt(4)](2)[Re(CO)(3)Br(3)] reacts with the homocysteine derivative (S)-(2-(2'-pyridyl)ethyl)-d,l-homocysteine, L(2), the neutral fac-Re(CO)(3)(NSO) complex, 2, is produced with coordination of the nitrogen of the primary amine, the sulfur of the thioether, and the oxygen of the carboxylate group, while the pyridine ring remains uncoordinated. The analogous technetium-99m complexes, 1' and 2', were also prepared quantitatively by the reaction of L(1) and L(2) with the fac-[(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(H(2)O)(3)](+) precursor at 70 degrees C in water. Given that both (S)-(2-(2'-pyridyl)ethyl)cysteamine and homocysteine can be easily N- or S-derivatized by a bioactive molecule of interest, both the NSN or NSO ligand systems could be used to develop target-specific radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy.

Relative Stability of Mixed [3 + 1] Tc and Re Complexes: a Computational and Conceptual DFT Study

A computational and conceptual density-functional study has been performed on various [3 + 1] complexes of both Re(V) and Tc(V). The fully optimized complexes chloro(3-thiapentane-1,5-dithiolato)oxorhenium(V) and chloro(3-thiapentane-1,5-dithiolato)oxotechnetium(V) show geometries that compare favorably with the X-ray data. These structures were used as a starting point to investigate the relative stability of Tc(V) and Re(V) complexes with various ligands containing combinations of N, O, and S as chelating atoms and to evaluate the stabilizing/destabilizing influence of these N, O, and S combinations. For both Tc and Re complexes, the S content (number and position of S atoms) together with the presence of an oxygen as the central chelating atom turns out to be decisive in the stability of the tridentate complexes, the latter factor being strongly destabilizing and the former stabilizing. The stabilization sequences for both Tc and Re are shown to be identical in the gas phase and in aqueous solutions treated in a polarizable continuum model. The Re(V) complexes are found to be more stable than their Tc(V) analogues. All of the results are successfully interpreted in terms of the hard and soft acids and bases principle, applied at the local level. For this purpose, a softness value for Tc is obtained by interpolating softness trends in neighboring elements of rows 5 and 6 in the periodic table.

Operative files of legal medical emergency in Calabria: study team

In Calabria, a study team form legal medicine emergency (LME) formed to initiate a Crisis Unit (CU) able to manage and deal LME with complicated operations and roles, people and technical aspects involvement. First steps are planning, scene study and organization. Everything connecting the first and second emergency to have practicable application.

Focal Point: Inorganic Chemistry: Aqueous Organometallic Chemistry: From Life Sciences to Catalysis

The Minisymposium in Inorganic Chemistry was held with international speakers from six different countries. It was dedicated to the rapidly growing field of aqueous organometallic chemistry. Since the research community is still relatively small, it was possible to cover with the contributions the most relevant aspects of this new field. The widespread opinion that organometallics are generally unstable under aqueous and aerobic conditions could be relativated. The incentive of using water as a solvent in fundamental and applied research points towards very inspiring ideas.

Aqueous One-Pot Synthesis of Derivatized Cyclopentadienyl-Tricarbonyl Complexes of (99m) Tc with an In Situ CO Source: Application to a Serotonergic Receptor Ligand

Instant radiopharmaceuticals-just add [(99m) TcO4 ](-) in water! Half-sandwich complexes of the type [(RCOCp)(99m) Tc(CO)3 ] (e.g. 1) were synthesized in a single step in water from [(99m) TcO4 ](-) . The acidification of the Cp ring by a carbonyl substituent and the use of K2 [H3 BCO2 ] as a reducing agent and in situ source of CO are instrumental in the synthesis.

Re tricarbonyl complexes with ligands containing P,N,N and P,N,O donor atom sets: synthesis and structural characterization

The coordination chemistry of the heterofunctionalized phosphines HPN2 and H2PNO and of an analogue containing a relevant biomolecule, HPN-Pip (Pip = 4-(3-aminopropyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine), was studied toward the synthon (NE4)2[ReBr3(CO)3]. The complexes isolated, [Re(CO)3(kappa(3)-PN2)], 3, [Re(CO)3Br(kappa(2)-H2PNO)], 4, and [Re(CO)3Br(kappa(2)-HPN-Pip)], 5, are the first examples of Re(I) compounds stabilized by such a combination of donor atoms. All of the compounds are neutral, but the phosphines, depending on the combination of atoms, act as monoanionic and tridentate (3) or as neutral and bidentate (4, 5). The characterization of 3-5 included IR, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Colorless crystals of compounds 3 and 4 were obtained by slow evaporation of a methanolic solution of 3 and from a boiling acetonitrile solution of 4. Compound 3 crystallizes with two molecules of MeOH per asymmetric unit in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, a = 10.1237(8) A, b = 9.4959(4) A, c = 28.365(2) A, beta = 98.707(9) degrees, V = 2695.4(3) A(3), Z = 4; 4 crystallizes in the triclinic space group Ponebar, a = 10.0241(9) A, b = 11.2060(10) A, c = 13.0656(12) A, alpha = 84.883(11) degrees, beta = 71.163(10) degrees, gamma = 63.650(9) degrees, V = 1241.19(19) A(3), Z = 2.

Dicarbonyl-nitrosyl-complexes of rhenium (Re) and technetium (Tc), a potentially new class of compounds for the direct radiolabeling of biomolecules

Re- and Tc-complexes of the oxidation state (+I) offer a useful synthetic pool for the labeling of biomolecules due to their co-ordination properties and stability, which are superior to compounds of the oxidation state (+V). Based on the results for Tc-tricarbonyl complexes it was the topic of this work to develop an access to similar but higher charged compounds, which could be performed by replacing a neutral [CO]-group by a [NO](+)-group. The resulting Re(I)- and Tc(I)-dicarbonyl-nitrosyl complexes, such as [N(CH2CH3)4][ReX3(CO)2(NO)], show a tendency for co-ordination at carboxylic and amine groups of biomolecules (X = Br, Cl). This was shown with picolinic acid (H-pic), a suitable model for amino acids, forming the neutral complex [ReX(pic)(CO)2(NO)]. In a similar fashion conjugation of [188Re(CO)2(NO)](2+)- or [99mTc(CO)2(NO)](2+)-compounds to proteins or antibodies is feasible. This approach opens a way to a potentially new class of radiopharmaceuticals.

Derivatization of glucose and 2-deoxyglucose for transition metal complexation: substitution reactions with organometallic 99mTc and Re precursors and fundamental NMR investigations

Synthetic strategies for the bifunctionalization of glucose and 2-deoxyglucose at position C-1 for transition metal coordination are reported. In particular organometallic technetium and rhenium complexes for potential use in diagnostic nuclear medicine were synthesized and investigated. Specifically, a common iminodiacetic acid (IDA) moiety was O-glycosidically connected through an ethylene spacer group to produce the pure alpha- (in case of 2-deoxyglucose) and beta-anomer (in case of glucose). Reaction of the sugar derivatives with the organometallic precursor [M(H2O)3(CO)3]+ (M = 99mTc, Re) produced single products in high yield, which are water-soluble and water-stable. The displacement of the three water molecules of the metal precursor and thus the tridentate coordination of the metal-tricarbonyl core exclusively via the amine and the two carboxylic acid functionalities of the IDA chelate was verified by means of 1D and 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and IR spectroscopy. The radioactive-labeled products (99mTc) proved their excellent stability in vitro in physiological phosphate buffer (pH = 7.4) and human plasma over a period of 24 h at 37 degrees C.

Surfactant protein B labelled with [(99m)Tc(CO)3(H20)3](+) retains biological activity in vitro

Labelling of the hydrophobic surfactant protein B (SP-B) under non-reducing conditions was achieved with [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(H2O)(3)](+) prepared according to Alberto et al. (JACS, 1998). The binding of radioactivity was protein-specific, with an overall radiochemical yield of 50%. Gel electrophoresis and Westernblot analyses showed no structural changes of SP-B. Spreading properties and surface activity of (99m)Tc-labelled SP-B in an air/water interface coincided with those of unlabelled SP-B. (99m)Tc-SP-B seems to be a promising agent to observe surfactant spreading under clinical conditions.

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic results for surfactant instillation in clinical trials are conflicting. The (99m)Tc-labelling of surfactant would allow to observe its spreading in the lung under clinical conditions.

METHODS

[(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(H2O)(3)](+) was prepared as described by Alberto et al. (JACS, 1998). This carbonyl complex was used for the direct labelling of surfactant protein B (SP-B) under non-reductive conditions by direct incubation with SP-B at elevated temperature followed by extraction into CHCl(3)/MeOH.

RESULTS

The hydrophobic protein SP-B was labelled with [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(H2O)(3)](+). An overall radiochemical yield of about 50% was achieved. HPLC-analysis revealed a single radiolabelled species according to UV elution profile of SP-B, supported by paper and size exclusion chromatography. Gel electrophoresis confirmed that the dimer structure of SP-B was preserved. Spreading properties of (99m)Tc-labelled SP-B in an air/water interface coincided with those of unlabelled SP-B. Spreading of radioactivity observed in a glass trough of 26 cm x 27 cm with a gamma camera was completed during the first 7-9 sec after application of (99m)Tc-labelled SP-B. The corresponding decrease of surface tension to 45 mN/m at the peripheral surface tension sensors took 7 sec +/- 2 sec (MEAN +/- STD; n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Direct and specific (99m)Tc-labelling of the hydrophobic surfactant protein B was achieved using the [(99m)Tc(CO)(3)(H2O)(3)](+) precursor. This procedure can easily be used to prepare specifically labelled surfactant mixtures with spreading properties that coincide with those of unlabelled surfactant.

Influence of the denticity of ligand systems on the in vitro and in vivo behavior of (99m)Tc(I)-tricarbonyl complexes: a hint for the future functionalization of biomolecules

Functionalization of biologically relevant molecules for the labeling with the novel fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+) precursor has gained considerable attention recently. Therefore, we tested seven different tridentate (histidine L(1)(), iminodiacetic acid L(2)(), N-2-picolylamineacetic acid L(3)(), N, N-2-picolylaminediacetic acid L(4)()) and bidentate (histamine L(5)(), 2-picolinic acid L(6)(), 2,4-dipicolinic acid L(7)()) ligand systems, with the potential to be bifunctionalized and attached to a biomolecule. The ligands allowed mild radiolabeling conditions with fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+) (30 min, 75 degrees C). The ligand concentrations necessary to obtain yields of >95% of the corresponding organometallic complexes 1-7 ranged from 10(-)(6) to 10(-)(4) M. Complexes of the general formula "fac-[(99m)TcL(CO)(3)]" (L = tridentate ligand) and "fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))L'(CO)(3)]" (L' = bidentate ligand), respectively, were produced. Challenge studies with cysteine and histidine revealed significant displacement of the ligands in complexes 5-7 but only little exchange with complexes 1-4 after 24 h at 37 degrees C in PBS buffer. However, no decomposition to (99m)TcO(4)(-) was observed under these conditions. All complexes showed a hydrophilic character (log P(o/w) values ranging from -2.12 to 0.32). Time-dependent FPLC analyses of compounds 1-7 incubated in human plasma at 37 degrees C showed again no decomposition to (99m)TcO(4)(-) after 24 h at 37 degrees C. However, the complexes with bidentate ligands (5-7) became almost completely protein bound after 60 min, whereas the complexes with tridentate coordinated ligands (1-4) showed no reaction with serum proteins. The compounds were tested for their in vivo stability and the biodistribution characteristics in BALB/c mice. The complexes with tridentate coordinated ligand systems (1-4) revealed generally a good and fast clearance from all organs and tissues. On the other hand, the complexes with only bidentate coordinated ligands (5-7) showed a significantly higher retention of activity in the liver, the kidneys, and the blood pool. Detailed radiometric analyses of murine plasma samples, 30 min p.i. of complex fac-[(99m)TcL(1)(CO)(3)], 1, revealed almost no reaction of the radioactive complex with the plasma proteins. By contrast, in plasma samples of mice, which were injected with complex fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))L(5)(CO)(3)](+), 5, the entire radioactivity coeluded with the proteins. On the basis of these in vitro and in vivo experiments, it appears that functionalization of biomolecules with tridentate-chelating ligand systems is preferable for the labeling with fac-[(99m)Tc(OH(2))(3)(CO)(3)](+), since this will presumably result in radioactive bioconjugates with better pharmacokinetic profiles.

Chemical and biological characterization of technetium(I) and Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes with dithioether ligands serving as linkers for coupling the Tc(CO)(3) and Re(CO)(3) moieties to biologically active molecules

The organometallic precursor (NEt(4))(2)[ReBr(3)(CO)(3)] was reacted with bidendate dithioethers (L) of the general formula H(3)C-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-R (R = -CH(2)CH(2)COOH, CH(2)-C&tbd1;CH) and R'-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-R' (R' = CH(3)CH(2)-, CH(3)CH(2)-OH, and CH(2)COOH) in methanol to form stable rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes of the general composition [ReBr(CO)(3)L]. Under these conditions, the functional groups do not participate in the coordination. As a prototypic representative of this type of Re compounds, the propargylic group bearing complex [ReBr(CO(3))(H(3)C-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)C&tbd1;CH)] Re2 was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Its molecular structure exhibits a slightly distorted octahedron with facial coordination of the carbonyl ligands. The potentially tetradentate ligand HO-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-OH was reacted with the trinitrato precursor [Re(NO(3))(3)(CO)(3)](2-) to yield a cationic complex [Re(CO)(3)(HO-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-OH)]NO(3) Re8 which shows the coordination of one hydroxy group. Re8 has been characterized by correct elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Ligand exchange reaction of the carboxylic group bearing ligands H(3)C-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-COOH and HOOC-CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)-COOH with (NEt(4))(2)[ReBr(3)(CO)(3)] in water and with equimolar amounts of NaOH led to complexes in which the bromide is replaced by the carboxylic group. The X-ray structure analysis of the complex [Re(CO)(3)(OOC-CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)-COOH)] Re6 shows the second carboxylic group noncoordinated offering an ideal site for functionalization or coupling a biomolecule. The no-carrier-added preparation of the analogous (99m)Tc(I) carbonyl thioether complexes could be performed using the precursor fac-[(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+), with yields up to 90%. The behavior of the chlorine containing (99m)Tc complex [(99m)TcCl(CO)(3)(CH(3)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(3))] Tc1 in aqueous solution at physiological pH value was investigated. In saline, the chromatographically separated compound was stable for at least 120 min. However, in chloride-free aqueous solution, a water-coordinated cationic species Tc1a of the proposed composition [(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(3))](+) occurred. The cationic charge of the conversion product was confirmed by capillary electrophoresis. By the introduction of a carboxylic group into the thioether ligand as a third donor group, the conversion could be suppressed and thus the neutrality of the complex preserved. Biodistribution studies in the rat demonstrated for the neutral complexes [(99m)TcCl(CO)(3)(CH(3)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(3))] Tc1 and [(99m)TcCl(CO)(3)(CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)-C&tbd1;CH)] Tc2 a significant initial brain uptake (1.03 +/- 0.25% and 0.78 +/- 0.08% ID/organ at 5 min. p.i.). Challenge experiments with glutathione clearly indicated that no transchelation reaction occurs in vivo.

Complete Carbonylation of fac-

The rate constant of ligand exchange on the complex fac-[(99)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+) was determined by means of (13)C, (17)O, and (99)Tc NMR spectroscopy under pressurized conditions in aqueous media. After keeping the sample under CO pressure for an extended period, the formation of [(99)Tc(CO)(6)](+) could unambiguously be detected in the (13)C and (99)Tc NMR spectra.

Rhodium-105 tetrathioether complexes: radiochemistry and initial biological evaluation

105Rhodium(III) complexes with three different acyclic tetrathioether ligands containing pendant carboxylic acid groups have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes were evaluated for stability under physiological conditions and the most promising complexes were evaluated in vivo in normal mice. The primary route of clearance for these complexes was the renal/urinary system, consistent with the presence of pendant carboxylate groups. The results indicate that the cis-[Rh(III)Cl2(2,5,8,11-tetrathiadodecane-1,12-dicarboxylic acid)]+ complex shows the most promising in vivo characteristics on which to base a potential therapeutic radiopharmaceutical.

Organometallic 99mTc-aquaion labels peptide to an unprecedented high specific activity

A new peptide labeling method that uses the organometallic aquaion [99mTc(H2O)3(CO)3]+ has been developed.

METHODS

A selection of amino acids was labeled at different concentrations with the organometallic aquaion, and the labeling yield was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. This investigation has shown histidine to be a very potent ligand, with specific activities of up to 6 TBq/micromol (160 Ci/micromol) ligand. Histidine derivatives have been coupled to neurotensin(8-13) (NT[8-13]) and have been labeled with the aquaion, resulting in high specific activities with (N(alpha)-histidinyl)acetic acid-NT(8-13) similar to those with histidine.

RESULTS

Histidine derivatives of NT(8-13) labeled using this approach fully retained their receptor affinity, showing KD values of all investigated NT analogs below 1 nmol/L on colon carcinoma HT29 cells. Biodistrbution experiments in BALB/c mice showed complete clearance of (N(alpha)-histidinyl)acetic acid-NT(8-13) from the blood after 24 h and no unwanted accumulation in any tissue.

CONCLUSION

The novel labeling method using the organometallic 99mTc-aquaion combines the advantage of highest specific activities with minimal functionalization of proteins and peptides under retention of biologic affinity.

Stable one-step technetium-99m labeling of His-tagged recombinant proteins with a novel Tc(I)-carbonyl complex

We have developed a technetium labeling technology based on a new organometallic chemistry, which involves simple mixing of the novel reagent, a 99m Tc(I)-carbonyl compound, with a His-tagged recombinant protein. This method obviates the labeling of unpaired engineered cysteines, which frequently create problems in large-scale expression and storage of disulfide-containing proteins. In this study, we labeled antibody single-chain Fv fragments to high specific activities (90 mCi/mg), and the label was very stable to serum and all other challenges tested. The pharmacokinetic characteristics were indistinguishable from iodinated scFv fragments, and thus scFV fragments labeled by the new method will be suitable for biodistribution studies. This novel labeling method should be applicable not only to diagnostic imaging with 99mTc, but also to radioimmunotherapy approaches with 186/188 Re, and its use can be easily extended to almost any recombinant protein or synthetic peptide.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of bidentate, water-soluble phosphine ligands as anchor groups for the organometallic fac-[99mTc(CO)3]+-core

The organometallic precursor fac-[99mTc(OH2)3(CO)3]+, 1a, was reacted with the bidentate, water-soluble phosphine ligands bis(bis(hydroxymethyl)phosphino)ethane (HMPE) and bis(bis(hydroxymethyl)phosphino)benzene (HMPB) in 0.9% saline to produce complexes in >95% yields. High performance liquid chromatography analyses indicate the initial formation of the complexes fac-[99mTcCl(CO)3L] (L = HMPE 2a, HMPB 3a). The neutral complexes ultimately lose the coordinated chloride to produce the cationic species fac-[99mTc(OH2)(CO)3L]+ 2b/3b. In vitro studies showed a high stability of 2b/3b over a wide pH range for >24 h. No decomposition or alteration of the complexes was observed even in the presence of excess histidine, cysteine, or human serum albumin. Experiments performed in normal mice demonstrated a fast clearance of the cationic compounds 2b/3b from the blood pool and clearance through the hepatobiliary and the urinary pathways.

Catabolism of neurotensins. Implications for the design of radiolabeling strategies of peptides

A major impact in diagnosis and treatment of cancer with peptide based radiopharmaceuticals is expected. Among others neurotensin is considered to be a promising candidate. However, most neurotensin analogues, which bind to the neurotensin receptor have a too short biological half live due to catabolism. Therefore, stabilized fragments have been prepared and labeled with the newly developed [Tc(CO)3](+)-moiety. A single histidine or a (N alpha-His)-Ac group coupled to the N-terminus of the neurotensin fragments were used as a bidentate or a tridentate ligand respectively, which coordinate the metal carbonyl efficiently. Affinity and binding studies of the 99mTc(I) radiolabeled neurotensin fragments revealed a behavior influenced by catabolism and properties of the metal complex.

Derivatives of 1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol as versatile pentadentate ligands for protein labeling with Re-186/188. prelabeling, biodistribution, and X-ray structural studies

The pentadentate H3bhci [1,3,5-trideoxy-1, 3-bis((2-hydroxybenzyl)amino)-cis-inositol] and its bifunctionalized analogue H3bhci-glu-H [1,3,5-trideoxy-1, 3-bis((2-hydroxybenzyl)amino)-5-glutaramido-cis-inositol] were synthesized, and their coordination chemistry was investigated with inactive rhenium, with no carrier added Re-188 and with carrier added Re-186. The neutral Re(V) complexes [ReO(bhci)] and [ReO(bhci-glu-H)] are formed in good yields starting from [ReOCl3(P(C6H5)3)2] or in quantitative yield directly from [186/188ReO4]- in aqueous solution by reduction with Sn(II) or Sn(0). The X-ray structures of [ReO(bhci)] and [ReO(bhci-glu-H)] were elucidated revealing pentadentate "side on" coordination of the ligands to the "Re=O" core. The basic cyclohexane frame adopts a chair form in the case of [ReO(bhci)] and a twisted boat form in the case of [ReO(bhci-glu-H)]. [ReO(bhci)] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 27.425(3), b = 14.185(1), c = 19.047(2) A, and beta = 103.64(2) degrees and [ReO(bhci-glu-H)] in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 13.056(3), b = 10.180(1), c = 22.378(5) A, and beta = 98.205(9) degrees. Both 188Re complexes are stable in human serum for at least 3 days without decomposition. After injection into mice, [ReO(bhci-glu)]- is readily excreted through the intestines, while [ReO(bhci)] is excreted by intestines, liver, and the kidneys. TLC investigations of the urine showed exclusively the complexes [ReO(bhci-glu-H)] and [ReO(bhci)], respectively, and no decomposition products. For derivatization of antibodies, the carboxylic group of [ReO(bhci-glu-H)] was activated with N-hydroxysuccinimide, which required unusually vigorous reaction conditions (heating). The anti colon cancer antibody mAb-35 [IgG and F(ab')2 fragment] was labeled with [186/188ReO(bhci-glu)] to a specific activity of up to 1.5 mCi/mg (55 MBq/mg) with full retention of immunoreactivity. Labeling yields followed pseudo-first-order kinetics in antibody concentration with the ratio of rates between aminolysis and hydrolysis being about 2. Biodistributions of 186Re-labeled intact mAb-35 as well as of its F(ab')2 fragment in tumor-bearing nude mice revealed good uptake by the tumor with only low accumulation of radioactivity in normal tissue.

Influence of radiolabel on the in vivo processing of intact and fragmented anti-tumour monoclonal antibody

The anti-colon carcinoma MoAb35 and its F(ab')2 fragment were labelled with 131I or 67Cu and their biodistributions compared in nude mice bearing human tumour xenografts. Two-fold higher levels of 67Cu were found in the xenografts than 131I, with no significant difference in whole-body distribution. For the F(ab')2 fragment tumour levels were not significantly different between 131I and 67Cu. A very high accumulation of 67Cu was found in the kidney (36.7% ID/g). Whether deiodination in the kidney could account for the difference in nuclide accumulation was checked by repeating the study with 131I, linked to the F(ab')2 by a method known to resist deiodination. The results showed a slight increase in tumour accumulation of 131I but kidney levels remained low at 3.1% ID/g 24 hours post-injection compared to 42.4% ID/g for 67Cu, suggesting that deiodination does not play a role in the observed low levels of 131I in the kidney. Ongoing studies on the distribution and processing of radioimmunoconjugates will hopefully assist in their application in clinical studies.

Preclinical evaluation of 67Cu-labeled intact and fragmented anti-colon carcinoma monoclonal antibody MAb35

The anti-carcinoembryonic antigen murine monoclonal antibody MAb35 and its F(ab')2 fragment were labeled with 131I or the potential therapeutic nuclide 67Cu. In vivo distribution patterns were compared in nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts by coinjection of the 131I- and 67Cu-labeled materials, thereby minimizing variations due to xenograft and host animal. The results showed that the 67Cu-labeled intact MAb35 achieved twice the percentage of injected dose/g tumor when compared to its 131I-labeled counterpart, without significant impairment of the wholebody distribution pattern. However, this effect was not evident in the case of F(ab')2, where high uptake of 67Cu was found in the kidney without any enhancement of accumulation in the target xenografts. To investigate the underlying causes of the different distribution patterns observed, iodine labeling was also performed using a more stable linkage, and the results indicated that the observed differences cannot be explained by simple deiodination of conventionally labeled preparations. We conclude that the intact form of the 67Cu-labeled antibody may be superior to the F(ab')2 fragment for use in our intended clinical studies. Our continuing work on the processing of radiometal-labeled F(ab')2 fragments, at the systemic and cellular level, will hopefully lead to a strategy to circumvent the problem of high kidney accumulation.