Brain Uptake In Mice Research Articles

Application of In vitro transcytosis models to brain targeted biologics.

The blood brain barrier (BBB) efficiently limits the penetration of biologics drugs from blood to brain. Establishment of an in vitro BBB model can facilitate screening of central nervous system (CNS) drug candidates and accelerate CNS drug development. Despite many established in vitro models, their application to biologics drug selection has been limited. Here, we report the evaluation of in vitro transcytosis of anti-human transferrin receptor (TfR) antibodies across human, cynomolgus and mouse species. We first evaluated human models including human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and human colon epithelial cell line Caco-2 models. hCMEC/D3 model displayed low trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), strong paracellular transport, and similar transcytosis of anti-TfR and control antibodies. In contrast, the Caco-2 model displayed high TEER value and low paracellular transport. Anti-hTfR antibodies demonstrated up to 70-fold better transcytosis compared to control IgG. Transcytosis of anti-hTfR.B1 antibody in Caco-2 model was dose-dependent and saturated at 3 μg/mL. Enhanced transcytosis of anti-hTfR.B1 was also observed in a monkey brain endothelial cell based (MBT) model. Importantly, anti-hTfR.B1 showed relatively high brain radioactivity concentration in a non-human primate positron emission tomography study indicating that the in vitro transcytosis from both Caco-2 and MBT models aligns with in vivo brain exposure. Typically, brain exposure of CNS targeted biologics is evaluated in mice. However, antibodies, such as the anti-human TfR antibodies, do not cross-react with the mouse target. Therefore, validation of a mouse in vitro transcytosis model is needed to better understand the in vitro in vivo correlation. Here, we performed transcytosis of anti-mouse TfR antibodies in mouse brain endothelial cell-based models, bEnd3 and the murine intestinal epithelial cell line mIEC. There is a good correlation between in vitro transcytosis of anti-mTfR antibodies and bispecifics in mIEC model and their mouse brain uptake. These data strengthen our confidence in the predictive power of the in vitro transcytosis models. Both mouse and human in vitro models will serve as important screening assays for brain targeted biologics selection in CNS drug development.

Preliminary biological evaluations of first brain‐penetrant GPR119‐based radiotracer in rodents and non‐human primates

AbstractBackgroundG‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) plays a key role in regulating glucose metabolism. While GPR119 (an important GPCR) agonists have shown potential for improving neurologic and cognitive function in patients with AD and type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), clinical interventions targeting GPR119 will require accurate in vivo measures such as PET imaging. We recently synthesized a series of novel piperdine analogs, identifying two analogs (T1 and T2) with high GPR119 binding potency (2‐5 nM) for PET radiochemistry. Here we report their radiochemistry and initial biological evaluations in neuronal cells, normal rodents, and monkeys (vervets).Method[18F]T1/T2 radiochemistry was performed in TRASIS‐AIO automated module following [18F]¯‐based nucleophilic substitution of corresponding precursors. [18F]T1 and T2 in vitro assays were performed in three patient‐derived cell lines with different GPR119 expression (MDM‐MD‐231<NCI‐H1716<HepG2), with and without GPR119 agonists and non‐radioactive T1/T2. Dynamic 0‐60 min brain microPET/CT imaging and biodistribution were performed in normal balb/c mice (n = 4). Healthy adult female vervets (n = 6, 4.5‐6.7 kg) underwent 0‐90 min brain PET imaging. Standard uptake value (SUVmax) and time‐activity curves (TACs) were calculated for whole brain PET/MR images.ResultBoth [18F]T1 and T2 were produced in high radiochemical purities (>98%) and specific activities (∼3800‐4500 mCi/µmol), decay corrected to end of synthesis. Radioactive cell uptake was lower in MDM‐MD‐231 cells (lowest GPR119 expression) and higher in HepG2 cells (higher GPR119 expression); uptake also significantly increased with GPR119 agonists and T1/T2 treatments compared to baseline. [18F]T2 showed slightly better brain uptake in mice compared to [18F]T1 (SUVmax = 0.35±0.07 Vs. 0.55±0.09 g/mL). Biodistribution of [18F]T2 (%ID/mg = 1.01±0.09) also showed high brain uptake. SUVmax (avg = 2.6±0.1 g/mL) and TACs of both [18F]T1 and [18F]T2 in monkey brains demonstrated rapid distribution across BBB within 10 min and favorable clearance within 90 min of tracer injection (Fig 1).ConclusionRadiochemistry was successfully automated and optimized. Cell uptake showed direct relationships between radiotracer uptake and GPR119 expression. MicroPET imaging, biodistribution in rodents and monkey PET imaging demonstrated excellent brain uptake and favorable pharmacokinetics, indicating BBB penetration. These data suggest for the first time that [18F]T1 and T2 have potential for imaging GPR119 in brains of humans with AD or T2DM.

Visualization of synaptic vesicle protein 2A in a rodent model of familial Alzheimer’s disease with a metabolically stable PET probe

AbstractBackgroundSynaptic loss is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and region‐specific changes in synaptic density is associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we investigated the expression levels of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in APP/PS1 and age‐matched wild‐type (WT) mice using [18F]SDM16, a novel, metabolically stable SV2A PET imaging probe.MethodsThe SV2A tracer [18F]SDM‐16 was synthesized according to previously published procedure [1]. PET scans with [18F]SDM‐16 were performed on a Focus‐220 scanner in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and WT controls. Regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted from the Ma‐Benveniste‐Mirrione mouse brain atlas and regional time‐activity curves (TACs) were obtained by applying template ROIs to the averaged PET images from 0‐90 min post‐injection (p.i.). Distribution volume ratio (DVR) values were generated using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM), with brain stem as the reference region. Averaged SUV ratios (SUVRs) from 60‐90 min were calculated by using brain stem as reference region. Spatially normalized SUVR(BS) were assessed on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis in Matlab R2018 with Statistical Parametric Mapping.ResultsThe mouse brain PET images showed ubiquitous uptake of [18F]SDM‐16. Regional TACs showed high brain uptake in the selected brain regions of mice (SUV up to 2.38), with a steady increase after tracer injection, before plateauing at 60‐90 min p.i. (Fig. 1a). DVR results correlated well with SUVR(BS) from 60‐90 min (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.0001). Compared with age‐matched WT controls, the averaged SUVR(BS) in the whole brain and hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice showed statistically significant lower values by 5.4% (p = 0.01) and 11% (p = 0.001), respectively (Fig. 1b). These results are consistent with those from previous reports using [11C]UCB‐J (4.0% decrease in hippocampus) and [18F]SynVesT‐1 (7.5% decrease in hippocampus) [2, 3]. Voxel‐based parametric analysis also showed a global decrease in tracer uptake in the APP/PS1 mice, with the most significant decrease in the hippocampus, which is consistent with the results from ROI‐based analysis.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the radioligand [18F]SDM‐16 had high uptake in mouse brain, and APP/PS1 mice showed lower tracer uptake than WT mice, supporting the use of [18F]SDM‐16 in preclinical AD drug discovery and development.

Preliminary biological evaluations of first brain‐penetrant GPR119‐based radiotracer in rodents and non‐human primates

AbstractBackgroundG‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) plays a key role in regulating glucose metabolism. While GPR119 (an important GPCR) agonists have shown potential for improving neurologic and cognitive function in patients with AD and type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), clinical interventions targeting GPR119 will require accurate in vivo measures such as PET imaging. We recently synthesized a series of novel piperdine analogs, identifying two analogs (T1 and T2) with high GPR119 binding potency (2‐5 nM) for PET radiochemistry. Here we report their radiochemistry and initial biological evaluations in neuronal cells, normal rodents, and monkeys (vervets).Method[18F]T1/T2 radiochemistry was performed in TRASIS‐AIO automated module following [18F]¯‐based nucleophilic substitution of corresponding precursors. [18F]T1 and T2 in vitro assays were performed in three patient‐derived cell lines with different GPR119 expression (MDM‐MD‐231<NCI‐H1716<HepG2), with and without GPR119 agonists and non‐radioactive T1/T2. Dynamic 0‐60 min brain microPET/CT imaging and biodistribution were performed in normal balb/c mice (n=4). Healthy adult female vervets (n=6, 4.5‐6.7 kg) underwent 0‐90 min brain PET imaging. Standard uptake value (SUVmax) and time‐activity curves (TACs) were calculated for whole brain PET/MR images.ResultBoth [18F]T1 and T2 were produced in high radiochemical purities (>98%) and specific activities (∼3800‐4500 mCi/µmol), decay corrected to end of synthesis. Radioactive cell uptake was lower in MDM‐MD‐231 cells (lowest GPR119 expression) and higher in HepG2 cells (higher GPR119 expression); uptake also significantly increased with GPR119 agonists and T1/T2 treatments compared to baseline. [18F]T2 showed slightly better brain uptake in mice compared to [18F]T1 (SUVmax= 0.35±0.07 Vs. 0.55±0.09 g/mL). Biodistribution of [18F]T2 (%ID/mg = 1.01±0.09) also showed high brain uptake. SUVmax (avg=2.6±0.1 g/mL) and TACs of both [18F]T1 and [18F]T2 in monkey brains demonstrated rapid distribution across BBB within 10 min and favorable clearance within 90 min of tracer injection (Fig 1).ConclusionRadiochemistry was successfully automated and optimized. Cell uptake showed direct relationships between radiotracer uptake and GPR119 expression. MicroPET imaging, biodistribution in rodents and monkey PET imaging demonstrated excellent brain uptake and favorable pharmacokinetics, indicating BBB penetration. These data suggest for the first time that [18F]T1 and T2 have potential for imaging GPR119 in brains of humans with AD or T2DM.

Synthesis and Evaluation of 18F-Labeled Chalcone Analogue for Detection of α-Synuclein Aggregates in the Brain Using the Mouse Model.

In the brains of patients with synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy, α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates deposit abnormally to induce neurodegeneration, although the mechanism is unclear. Thus, in vivo imaging studies targeting α-syn aggregates have attracted much attention to guide medical intervention against synucleinopathy. In our previous study, a chalcone analogue, [125I]PHNP-3, functioned as a feasible probe in terms of α-syn binding in vitro; however, it did not migrate to the mouse brain, and further improvement of brain uptake was required. In the present study, we designed and synthesized two novel 18F-labeled chalcone analogues, [18F]FHCL-1 and [18F]FHCL-2, using a central nervous system multiparameter optimization (CNS MPO) algorithm with the aim of improving blood-brain barrier permeation in the mouse brain. Then, we evaluated their utility for in vivo imaging of α-syn aggregates using a mouse model. In the competitive inhibition assay, both chalcone analogues exhibited high binding affinity for α-syn aggregates (Ki = 2.6 and 3.4 nM, respectively), while no marked amyloid β (Aβ)-binding was observed. The 18F-labeling reaction was successfully performed. In a biodistribution experiment, brain uptake of both chalcone analogues in normal mice (2.09 and 2.40% injected dose/gram (% ID/g) at 2 min postinjection, respectively) was higher than that of [125I]PHNP-3, suggesting that the introduction of 18F into the chalcone analogue led to an improvement in brain uptake in mice while maintaining favorable binding ability for α-syn aggregates. Furthermore, in an ex vivo autoradiography experiment, [18F]FHCL-2 showed the feasibility of the detection of α-syn aggregates in the mouse brain in vivo. These preclinical studies demonstrated the validity of the design of α-syn-targeting probes based on the CNS MPO score and the possibility of in vivo imaging of α-syn aggregates in a mouse model using 18F-labeled chalcone analogues.

Effects of 18F-fluorinated neopentyl glycol side-chain on the biological characteristics of stilbene amyloid-β PET ligands

IntroductionThe 2,2-dihydroxymethyl-1-[18F]fluoropropane group, also called 18F-labelled neopentyl glycol side-chain, is a novel 18F-labelling group for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents. The aim of using this group is to develop simple purification with solid-phase extraction without high-performance liquid chromatography. However, the effects of the neopentyl 18F-labelling group on the characteristics of brain imaging agents are unknown. Here, we added this side-chain to compounds with an aminostilbene structure to evaluate their effects on the biological properties of aminostilbene as an amyloid-β (Aβ) radioligand. MethodsBiodistributions of four novel 18F-labelled stilbene compounds with different lengths of polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, called [18F]Cpd-0, -1, -2, and -4, (PEG = 0, 1, 2, and 4), and [18F]AV-1 in normal mice were evaluated. Metabolite analysis of [18F]Cpd-0 and -1 was performed with mouse plasma and brain. A competitive binding assay of [18F]AV-1 binding to Aβ1–42 fibrils was performed to determine the binding properties of the compounds. Results[18F]Cpd-0, -1, and -2 demonstrated moderate initial brain uptake in mice (3.1–4.2% injected dose/g at 2 min post-injection) followed by fast clearance, and in vivo defluorination of these compounds was negligible. [18F]Cpd-4 exhibited low brain uptake and high bone uptake. Compared with [18F]Cpd-1, the percentage of [18F]Cpd-0 in mouse brain was high at 10 min post-injection. A competitive binding assay revealed partial interference effects by the neopentyl glycol side-chain on binding of stilbene compounds to Aβ1–42 fibrils. ConclusionsAminostilbene compounds with two or fewer PEG linkers containing an 18F-labelled neopentyl glycol side-chain demonstrated preferable pharmacokinetic properties as a brain imaging radioligand in normal mice. These side-chains can be used as an alternative labelling group for imaging agents targeting the brain.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of modified laminin peptide (N2S2-KDP) with enhanced affinity for neuronal growth and targeted molecular imaging (SPECT)

An analog of γ1 laminin (RDIAEIIKDI) decapeptide has been used to augment neuronal survival and regeneration after injuries, during aging and other CNS disorder. As a prime synthetic peptide, KDI, is responsible for the neurite outgrowth of human embryonic neurons. In this study, we have designed, modified a KDI derivative and synthesized by replacing isoleucine (I) with Pro (P) amino acid at C-terminal to enhance its potency towards neurite growth. -Cys-Gly-Cys (-CGC) N2S2 motif was also incorporated in the present design for peptide radiolabeling. The modified peptide showed a better binding with the desired 3T1M receptor for neurite growth. The peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and Fmoc-strategy with more than 80% yield. The receptor binding studies of 99mTc-N2S2-KDP in Neuro2A cell lines showed Kd value in 31 nM range and the complex showed appreciable brain uptake in mice. The results on human SH-SY5Y indicate that the unlabeled N2S2-KDP may perhaps be useful for neurite growth in neurodegenerative disorder.

Potential Diagnostic Imaging of Alzheimer's Disease with Copper-64 Complexes That Bind to Amyloid-β Plaques.

Amyloid-β plaques, consisting of aggregated amyloid-β peptides, are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Copper complexes formed using positron-emitting copper radionuclides that cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to specific molecular targets offer the possibility of noninvasive diagnostic imaging using positron emission tomography. New thiosemicarbazone-pyridylhydrazone based ligands that incorporate pyridyl-benzofuran functional groups designed to bind amyloid-β plaques have been synthesized. The ligands form stable complexes with copper(II) ( Kd = 10-18 M) and can be radiolabeled with copper-64 at room temperature. Subtle changes to the periphery of the ligand backbone alter the metabolic stability of the complexes in mouse and human liver microsomes, and influenced the ability of the complexes to cross the blood-brain barrier in mice. A lead complex was selected based on possessing the best metabolic stability and brain uptake in mice. Synthesis of this lead complex with isotopically enriched copper-65 allowed us to show that the complex bound to amyloid-β plaques present in post-mortem human brain tissue using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. This work provides insight into strategies to target metal complexes to amyloid-β plaques, and how small modifications to ligands can dramatically alter the metabolic stability of metal complexes as well as their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

EXTH-36. SCREENING COMPOUNDS THAT TARGET THE DNA DAMAGE RESPONSE FOR BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER PERMEABILITY

For glioblastoma (GBM), development of strategies that stabilize disease progression and ultimately achieve a cure will require comprehensive approaches towards target selection and design of therapies. Activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) by temozolomide and irradiation induces signaling pathways with actionable therapeutic targets (Akt, Chk1, and Mdm2), providing fertile ground to develop novel anti-GBM combination therapies. Using pediatric and adult GBM cells with clinically relevant molecular profiles, isobologram analyses indicated that combinations of small molecule inhibitors to these DDR-induced targets can synergistically block in vitro cell growth and decrease resistance of GBM cells to temozolomide. Knowing the degree of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability is particularly important in the selection of therapeutic compounds for the treatment of GBM. To this end, we adapted the Mouse Brain Uptake Assay (MBUA), which determines the BBB apparent permeability (Papp, nm/sec) for drugs across an intact BBB with the assumption that uptake rate is an important contributor to brain concentrations. When Papp is plotted as a function of cLogD and compared with calibration compounds, specific mechanistic interpretation is possible. Optimal BBB Papp values fall within the region of brain uptake limited only by cerebral blood flow, and not limited by low passive permeability or active efflux. Inhibitors of interest have been analyzed using the MBUA. BBB permeability, as measured by Papp, was in the order RG7388>RG7112>nutlin3a for MDM2 inhibitors and CHIR124>AZD7762 for Chk1 inhibitors. Survival in an intracranial GBM xenograft model indicated that an intermittent dosing regimen of temozolomide with Akt (GDC0068) and Mdm2 (RG7112) inhibitors exhibiting moderate BBB permeability significantly reduced GBM growth with minimal toxicity. Studies are in progress to determine if the next-generation Mdm2 inhibitor RG7388 with a more favorable BBB Papp can further improve efficacy of combination therapy and offer new therapeutic options for GBM.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 11C-labeled piperazine derivative as a PET probe for sigma-2 receptor imaging

IntroductionBoth subtypes of sigma (σ) receptors, σ1 and σ2, are over-expressed in many cancers with σ2 proposed as a biomarker of tumor proliferation. We are interested in developing a high affinity selective σ2 radioligand for in vivo monitoring of proliferative status of solid tumors and response to anti-cancer therapies. 1-Cyclohexyl-4-[3-(5-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)propyl]piperazine (PB28) represents one of the lead candidates in the development of σ receptor ligands for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, the utility of PB28 is limited due to its relatively high lipophilicity. MethodsA more hydrophilic analogue (–)-(S)-1 was radiolabeled with 11C via standard O-alkylation. In vitro autoradiography with [11C](–)-(S)-1 was done using rat brain slices. PET imaging was performed in mice bearing EMT6, C6 or PC-3 tumors after i.v. injection of [11C](–)-(S)-1. Results[11C](–)-(S)-1 was produced in 53%±7% isolated decay-corrected yield with radiochemical and chemical purity over 99% and specific activity greater than 100GBq/μmol. In vitro autoradiography with [11C(–)-(S)-1 resulted in a heterogeneous binding of the tracer in the rat brain with the highest radioactivity signals in the cortex region followed by cerebellum. This binding was successfully blocked by 10μM of either haloperidol, (+)-(R)-1 or PB28. For C6 xenografts low target-to-nontarget ratio and high non-specific binding did not allow clear tumor visualization. No accumulation was visible in EMT6 tumor or in PC-3 tumor. Rat and mouse brain uptake was low and homogeneous while stronger signal was detected in the spinal cord. High accumulation of radioactivity was observed in liver and intestine suggesting hepatobiliary clearance. ConclusionsDespite excellent in vitro properties, [11C](–)-(S)-1 did not provide high enough specific binding in vivo and is, therefore, not a useful PET tracer for imaging σ2 expression in tumors.

Efficiency gains in tracer identification for nuclear imaging: can in vivo LC-MS/MS evaluation of small molecules screen for successful PET tracers?

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has become a useful noninvasive technique to explore molecular biology within living systems; however, the utility of this method is limited by the availability of suitable radiotracers to probe specific targets and disease biology. Methods to identify potential areas of improvement in the ability to predict small molecule performance as tracers prior to radiolabeling would speed the discovery of novel tracers. In this retrospective analysis, we characterized the brain penetration or peak SUV (standardized uptake value), binding potential (BP), and brain exposure kinetics across a series of known, nonradiolabeled PET ligands using in vivo LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry) and correlated these parameters with the reported PET ligand performance in nonhuman primates and humans available in the literature. The PET tracers studied included those reported to label G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), intracellular enzymes, and transporters. Additionally, data for each tracer was obtained from a mouse brain uptake assay (MBUA), previously published, where blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and clearance parameters were assessed and compared against similar data collected on a broad compound set of central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic compounds. The BP and SUV identified via nonradiolabeled LC-MS/MS, while different from the published values observed in the literature PET tracer data, allowed for an identification of initial criteria values we sought to facilitate increased potential for success from our early discovery screening paradigm. Our analysis showed that successful, as well as novel, clinical PET tracers exhibited BP of greater than 1.5 and peak SUVs greater than approximately 150% at 5 min post dose in rodents. The brain kinetics appeared similar between both techniques despite differences in tracer dose, suggesting linearity across these dose ranges. The assessment of tracers in a CNS exposure model, the mouse brain uptake assessment (MBUA), showed that those compound with initial brain-to-plasma ratios >2 and unbound fraction in brain homogenate >0.01 were more likely to be clinically successful PET ligands. Taken together, early incorporation of a LC/MS/MS cold tracer discovery assay and a parallel MBUA can be an useful screening paradigm to prioritize and rank order potential novel PET radioligands during early tracer discovery efforts. Compounds considered for continued in vivo PET assessments can be identified quickly by leveraging in vitro affinity and selectivity measures, coupled with data from a MBUA, primarily the 5 min brain-to-plasma ratio and unbound fraction data. Coupled utilization of these data creates a strategy to efficiently screen for the identification of appropriate chemical space to invest in for radiotracer discovery.

Design, synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a novel SPECT DTPA-bis-triazaspirodecanone conjugate for D2receptor imaging

On the basis of pharmacological behaviour, dopamine receptors are divided into D1 and D2 subtype, which are primarily responsible for several neurophysiological anomalies. Assessment and validation with SPECT based conjugates provides a promising and cost effective insight to detect molecular changes in such neurological diseases. Spiperone, a well known “butryophenone” based D2 receptor antagonist, has been explored to design a novel conjugate for SPECT evaluation. The molecular docking pose analysis of the designed molecule was explored with dopamine D2 receptor. The molecule showed high affinity (−51.318 kcal mol−1) due to conserved interactions with Asp114 and Phe389 of D2 receptor. DTPA with triazaspirodecanone moiety of spiperone was synthesized using bifunctional chelation approach with 88% yield and has been characterized using NMR and mass spectroscopy. The radiolabeling efficiency of 99mTc-DTPA-bis-(1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4,5]decan-4-one) was 98%. The complex showed appreciable brain uptake in mice. Receptor binding experiments revealed a Kd of 6.26 nM with maximum localization of the conjugate in the striatum. Thus, these studies could be viewed as novel and informative, initial proof-of-concept approach to the field of 99mTc-labeled radioligand design.

Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of the radiolabeled P-glycoprotein inhibitor [11C]MC113

With the aim to develop a PET tracer to visualize P-glycoprotein (Pgp) expression levels in different organs, the Pgp inhibitor MC113 was labeled with (11)C and evaluated using small-animal PET. [(11)C]MC113 was synthesized by reaction of O-desmethyl MC113 with [(11)C]methyl triflate. Small-animal PET was performed with [(11)C]MC113 in FVB wild-type and Mdr1a/b((-/-)) mice (n=3 per group) and in a mouse model of high (EMT6Ar1.0) and low (EMT6) Pgp expressing tumor grafts (n=5). In the tumor model, PET scans were performed before and after administration of the reference Pgp inhibitor tariquidar (15mg/kg). Brain uptake of [(11)C]MC113, expressed as area under the time-activity curve from time 0 to 60min (AUC(0-60)), was moderately but not significantly increased in Mdr1a/b((-/-)) compared with wild-type mice (mean±SD AUC(0-60), Mdr1a/b((-/-)): 88±7min, wild-type: 62±6min, P=0.100, Mann Whitney test). In the tumor model, AUC(0-60) values were not significantly different between EMT6Ar1.0 and EMT6 tumors. Neither in brain nor in tumors was activity concentration significantly changed in response to tariquidar administration. Half-maximum effect concentrations (IC(50)) for inhibition of Pgp-mediated rhodamine 123 efflux from CCRFvcr1000 cells were 375±60nM for MC113 versus 8.5±2.5nM for tariquidar. [(11)C]MC113 showed higher brain uptake in mice than previously described Pgp PET tracers, suggesting that [(11)C]MC113 was only to a low extent effluxed by Pgp. However, [(11)C]MC113 was found unsuitable to visualize Pgp expression levels presumably due to insufficiently high Pgp binding affinity of MC113 in relation to Pgp densities in brain and tumors.

Synthesis of Three Novel Fluorine-18 Labeled Analogues of l-Deprenyl for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies of Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B)

The aim in this project was to synthesize and to study fluorine-18 labeled analogues of l-deprenyl which bind selectively to the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Three fluorinated l-deprenyl analogues have been generated in multistep organic syntheses. The most promising fluorine-18 compound N-[(2S)-1-[(18)F]fluoro-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]-N-methylprop-2-yn-1-amine (4c) was synthesized by a one-step fluorine-18 nucleophilic substitution reaction. Autoradiography on human brain tissue sections demonstrated specific binding for compound 4c to brain regions known to have a high content of MAO-B. In addition, the corresponding nonradioactive fluorine-19 compound (13) inhibited recombinant human MAO-B with an IC(50) of 170.5 ± 29 nM but did not inhibit recombinant human MAO-A (IC(50) > 2000 nM), demonstrating its specificity. Biodistribution of 4c in mice showed high initial brain uptake leveling at 5.2 ± 0.04%ID/g after 2 min post injection. In conclusion, compound 4c is a specific inhibitor of MAO-B with high initial brain uptake in mice and is, therefore, a candidate for further investigation in PET.

Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of fluorine-18 labelled FE-GW405833 as a PET tracer for type 2 cannabinoid receptor imaging

The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB 2R) is part of the endocannabinoid system and is expressed in tissues related to the immune system. As the CB 2R has a very low brain expression in non-pathological conditions, but is upregulated in activated microglia, it is an interesting target for visualization of neuroinflammation using positron emission tomography with a suitable radiolabeled CB 2R ligand. In this study, we radiolabelled a fluoroethyl derivative of GW405833, a well known CB 2R partial agonist, with fluorine-18 (half-life 109.8 min) by alkylation of the phenol precursor with 1-bromo-2-[ 18F]fluoroethane. In vitro studies showed that FE-GW405833 behaved as a selective high affinity (27 nM) inverse agonist for hCB 2R. [ 18F]FE-GW405833 showed moderate initial brain uptake in mice and rats, but a slow washout from brain and plasma due to retention of a radiometabolite. Specific binding of the tracer to human CB 2R was demonstrated in vivo in a rat model with local CB 2R overexpression in the brain. Optimized derivatives of GW405833 that are less susceptible to metabolism will need to be developed in order to provide a useful tracer for CB 2R quantification with PET.

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation in mice of [123I]‐(4‐fluorophenyl)[1‐(3‐iodophenethyl)piperidin‐4‐yl]methanone as a potential SPECT‐tracer for the serotonin 5‐HT2A receptor

AbstractThis work reports the synthesis, radiolabelling and in vivo evaluation in NMRI mice of [123I]‐(4‐fluorophenyl)[1‐(3‐iodophenethyl)piperidin‐4‐yl]methanone ([123I]‐3‐I‐CO) as a potential SPECT tracer for the 5‐HT2A receptor. The tributylstannylprecursor was synthesized with a 15% overall yield. Radiolabelling was performed using an electrophilic iododestannylation with yields of 85%. Radiochemical purity was always >95%. Log P was determined to be 3.10±0.10. The tracer showed good uptake in mouse brain (6.3±1.3% ID/g tissue at 10 min p.i., 2±0.36% ID/g tissue at 1 h p.i.). These results warrant further research in larger animals to determine suitability of [123I]‐3‐I‐CO as a 5‐HT2A tracer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

99mTc complex conjugated to insulin: CNS radio-pharmaceuticals design based on principles of blood-brain barrier transport vector

Hydrophilic99mTc-EC and nonlipophilic99mTc-MAMA′-BA complexes, owing to the existing of intact blood-brain barrier (BBB)in vivo, cannot cross from blood to brain. Previous studies showed that insulin is selectively transported by receptor-mediated transcytosis through the brain capillary endothelial wall that makes up the BBB. In this paper, based on the characteristic of the insulin receptor enriched in brain capillary, the complexes of hydrophilic99mTc-EC and nonlipophilic99mTc-MAMA′-BA are conjugated to insulin respectively. After purification, the radio-chemical purity of99mTc-EC-insulin and99mTc-MAMA′-BA-insulin was > 90% and the stabilityin vitro was good. Expectation for the special formulation can be internalized and endocytosed into the capillary membrane by the vector-mediated brain delivery system, and transported99mTc-labeled conjugate through the BBBin vivo, thus enhancing brain uptake in mice. The biodistribution results of99mTc-EC-insulin and99mTc-MAMA′-BA-insulin in mice indicated that the brain uptake was higher than99mTc-EC and99mTc-MAMA′-BAto some extent. The ratios of brain uptake of99mTc-EC-insulin to99mTc-EC,99mTc-MAMA′-BA-insulin to99mTc-MAMA′-BA were 4–6 at 2 and 3 h post-injection respectively. In conclusion, the given results have illustrated a new way of brain uptake enhancing for nonlipophilic like complexes that have BBB delivery problems. It has a potential value for the ongoing development of99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals for CNS receptors imaging.

In vivo detection of amyloid plaques in AD transgenic mice using gadolinium labeled ligands by MRI

administration. Binding specificity to amyloid plaque was evaluated with tissue homogenates from the postmortem brain (frontal cortex and cerebellum) from Alzheimer’s patients and control subjects. The tissue homogenates were incubated in PBS and 0.1% fetal bovine serum with radiotracers for 15 min, centrifuged and bound radioactivity measured. Brain tissue sections were incubated with radiotracers, washed and exposed to Storage Phosphor Screens. Adjacent sections stained with Congo red. Results: The octanol-water partition coefficient (log PC) was in the range (1-3) optimum for blood brain barrier transport. The uptake of the compounds in the normal mouse brain was rapid and so was the clearance. Mouse brain uptake (%ID/g SD) at 2 min was 3.14 0.71 and 1.39 0.29 for CQ and HQ respectively and in 1 h decreased by 98%. Blood activity was 9.5 2.12 and 4.73 1.09 at 2 min for CQ and HQ respectively and decreased by 96% at 1 h. Practically no radioactivity was detectable in the brain and blood at 24 h for both the tracers. Activity in the frontal cortex of the human AD brain was 400-500% of the cerebellum and 300-400% of control cortex. Autoradiography showed the localization of the tracers in regions containing amyloid plaques recognized by Congo red. Nanoparticles enhanced the brain uptake by 15% compared to the free drug. Conclusions: Radioiodinated quinoline derivatives have rapid brain uptake and fast clearance from the normal brain and blood in mice. They showed binding specificity to amyloid deposits in AD brain homogenates. Plaque deposits were visualized by autoradiography. These studies warrant further evaluation of this class of molecules as amyloid imaging agents.

PET imaging of brain with the β-amyloid probe, [11C]6-OH-BTA-1, in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of [11C]6-OH-BTA-1 and positron emission tomography (PET) to quantify beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaques in the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). PET imaging was performed with the NIH ATLAS small animal scanner in six elderly transgenic mice (Tg2576; age 22.0+/-1.8 months; 23.6+/-2.6 g) overexpressing a mutated form of human beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) known to result in the production of Abeta plaques, and in six elderly wild-type litter mates (age 21.8+/-1.6 months; 29.5+/-4.7 g). Dynamic PET scans were performed for 30 min in each mouse under 1% isoflurane inhalation anesthesia after a bolus injection of 13-46 MBq of [11C]6-OH-BTA-1. PET data were reconstructed with 3D OSEM. On the coronal PET image, irregular regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on frontal cortex (FR), parietal cortex (PA), striatum (ST), thalamus (TH), pons (PO), and cerebellum (CE), guided by a mouse stereotaxic atlas. Time-activity curves (TACs) (expressed as percent injected dose per gram normalized to body weight: % ID-kg/g) were obtained for FR, PA, ST, TH, PO, and CE. ROI-to-CE radioactivity ratios were also calculated. Following PET scans, sections of mouse brain prepared from anesthetized and fixative-perfused mice were stained with thioflavin-S. TACs for [11C]6-OH-BTA-1 in all ROIs peaked early (at 30-55 s), with radioactivity washing out quickly thereafter in both transgenic and wild-type mice. Peak uptake in all regions was significantly lower in transgenic mice than in wild-type mice. During the later part of the washout phase (12-30 min), the mean FR/CE and PA/CE ratios were higher in transgenic than in wild-type mice (1.06+/-0.04 vs 0.98+/-0.07, p=0.04; 1.06+/-0.09 vs 0.93+/-0.08 p=0.02) while ST/CE, TH/CE, and PO/CE ratios were not. Ex vivo staining revealed widespread Abeta plaques in cortex, but not in cerebellum of transgenic mice or in any brain regions of wild-type mice. Marked reductions in brain uptake of this radioligand in transgenic mice may be due to reduced cerebral blood flow relative to that in wild-type mice. Specific [11C]6-OH-BTA-1 binding to Abeta plaques, if any, is probably very low, as reflected in the small FR/CE and PA/CE ratio differences. FR/CE and PA/CE ratios are considerably higher in AD patients while Abeta plaque densities in 22-month-old transgenic mice may be expected to show essentially the same density as is observed in the AD brain. This implies that the absence of tracer retention in 22-month-old transgenic mice may be due to the smaller number of Abeta plaque binding sites and/or to lower affinity of the binding sites for [11C]6-OH-BTA-1 as compared with AD patients. [11C]6-OH-BTA-1 shows excellent brain uptake in mice.

Peptide-vector strategy bypasses P-glycoprotein efflux, and enhances brain transport and solubility of paclitaxel

We present the results obtained with paclitaxel coupled to a peptide-vector SynB3 (PAX-OSUC-SynB3), showing that this peptide-vector enhances the solubility of paclitaxel and its brain uptake in mice using the in situ brain perfusion model. We also show by the in situ brain perfusion in P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-deficient and wild-type mice that vectorized paclitaxel bypasses the P-gp present at the luminal side of the blood-brain barrier. The effect of the vectorized paclitaxel on various cancer cells was not significantly different from that of free paclitaxel. These results indicate that vectorization of paclitaxel may have significant potential for the treatment of brain tumors.