Background In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is of substantial concern, as it lacks the receptors usually targeted by conventional treatments. Triple-negative breast tumors have a high degree of copper metabolism for the synthesis of transporters, enzymes, and chaperones. Tetrathiomolybdate (TM) is a well-tolerated oral therapy that has been investigated for chelating copper from tumors in TNBC patients, resulting in extended remission. The overall goal of this research was to evaluate [64Cu]CuCl2 PET/CT imaging of copper utilization in this disease, in the presence and absence of TM. Methods Uptake, internalization, and efflux studies were performed in TNBC cells versus normal cells. Biodistribution experiments were then conducted in TNBC xenograft-bearing mice that were administered TM versus controls. PET/CT imaging of mice carrying TNBC tumors was also performed in the presence and absence of TM. Finally, imaging was performed in a healthy cat and in a cat with mammary carcinoma. Results SUM149 TNBC cells selectively took up, internalized, and retained [64Cu]CuCl2 more avidly than normal fibroblasts. When SUM149-bearing mice were given TM, tumor uptake decreased and tracer accumulation shifted predominantly to the liver and kidneys, compared to control mice, in which large quantities of 64Cu were excreted into the intestines. These results were supported by PET/CT imaging of the mice. PET/CT of companion cats gave results similar to those obtained in mice, with high accumulation of radioactivity observed in the liver and gallbladder and moderate intestinal and renal clearance. In a cat with mammary carcinoma, tumor uptake of [64Cu]CuCl2 was highly conspicuous, even in close proximity to the liver. Conclusions Utilization of [64Cu]CuCl2 in triple-negative breast cancer can be detected efficiently in cell and animal models of this disease. The tracer was also used successfully to evaluate TM administration in the SUM149 TNBC mouse model. Furthermore, PET/CT imaging of both mice and cats with breast cancer shows the potential to monitor treatment with TM in a facile, noninvasive manner. We are currently conducting a clinical trial of [64Cu]CuCl2 PET/CT in companion cats with mammary carcinoma, with the future goal of evaluating the efficacy of TM in feline patients.

The transmembrane integrin, very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), which is a critical integrin involved in promoting tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis, is overexpressed in metastatic melanoma. The peptidomimetic LLP2A has a high binding affinity to VLA-4 and is used as a radiopharmaceutical targeting agent for imaging and therapy. Previous studies demonstrated that the albumin-binding compound, [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-pIBA-PEG4-LLP2A, significantly improved tumor retention and blood circulation time but resulted in lower tumor-to-nontumor tissue ratios compared to the nonalbumin-binding compound, [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-PEG4-LLP2A. To streamline the synthesis of VLA-4 targeting molecules as therapeutic agents and allow a modular approach, we investigated three click chemistry linkers for preparing DOTAGA-pIBA-PEG4-LLP2A analogues: [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-pIBA-TCO-tetrazine-PEG4-LLP2A ([177Lu]Lu-1), [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-pIBA-BCN-azide-PEG4-LLP2A ([177Lu]Lu-2), and [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-pIBA-DBCO-azide-PEG4-LLP2A ([177Lu]Lu-3). Determining the click linkage that provides optimal synthesis ease and pharmacokinetics will allow us to readily produce additional VLA-4 targeting radiopharmaceuticals. Saturation binding assays demonstrated high binding affinity of [177Lu]Lu-1, [177Lu]Lu-2, and [177Lu]Lu-3 to VLA-4 in B16F10 cells, with Kd = 1.2 ± 0.2, 0.8 ± 0.4, and 1.6 ± 0.5 nM, respectively. Biodistribution of [177Lu]Lu-1 showed peak tumor uptake at 24 h (12.2 ± 0.7%IA/g) and retention to 96 h (9.5 ± 1.7%IA/g), while [177Lu]Lu-2 peaked at 48 h (13.5 ± 2.2%IA/g) and gradually decreased (9.93 ± 3.3%IA/g at 96 h). [177Lu]Lu-3 peaked at 48 h (16.9 ± 3.9%IA/g) and was retained to 96 h (14.8 ± 3.8%IA/g). Compared with [177Lu]Lu-1 and [177Lu]Lu-3, [177Lu]Lu-2 cleared more rapidly from normal tissues. [177Lu]Lu-2 showed higher tumor-to-kidney ratios compared to [177Lu]Lu-1 at all time points and higher tumor-to-liver ratios up to 96 h. [177Lu]Lu-2 also showed higher tumor-to-liver ratios compared to [177Lu]Lu-3 up to 48 h. The tumor can be clearly visualized with all compounds using SPECT/CT. The BCN click linkage ([177Lu]Lu-2) will be applied in future compounds with other targeting ligands, radionuclides, albumin binders, and chelators.

Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) is a transmembrane integrin protein that is highly expressed in aggressive forms of metastatic melanoma. A small-molecule peptidomimetic, LLP2A, was found to have a low pM affinity binding to VLA-4. Because LLP2A itself does not inhibit cancer cell proliferation and survival, it is an ideal candidate for the imaging and delivery of therapeutic payloads. An analog of [177Lu]Lu-labeled-LLP2A was previously investigated as a therapeutic agent in melanoma tumor-bearing mice, resulting in only a modest improvement in tumor growth inhibition, likely due to rapid clearance of the agent from the tumor. To improve the pharmacokinetic profile, DOTAGA-PEG4-LLP2A with a 4-(p-iodophenyl)butyric acid (pIBA) albumin binding moiety was synthesized. We demonstrate the feasibility of this albumin binding strategy by comparing in vitro cell binding assays and in vivo biodistribution performance of [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-PEG4-LLP2A ([177Lu]Lu-1) to the albumin binding [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-pIBA-PEG4-LLP2A ([177Lu]Lu-2). In vitro cell binding assay results for [177Lu]Lu-1 and [177Lu]Lu-2 showed Kd values of 0.40 ± 0.07 and 1.75 ± 0.40 nM, with similar Bmax values of 200 ± 6 and 315 ± 15 fmol/mg, respectively. In vivo biodistribution data for both tracers exhibited specific uptake in the tumor, spleen, thymus, and bone due to endogenous expression of VLA-4. Compound [177Lu]Lu-2 exhibited a much longer blood circulation time compared to [177Lu]Lu-1. The tumor uptake for [177Lu]Lu-1 was highest at 1 h (∼15%ID/g) and that for [177Lu]Lu-2 was highest at 4 h (∼23%ID/g). Significant clearance of [177Lu]Lu-1 from the tumor occurs at 24 h (<5%ID/g) while[177Lu]Lu-2 is retained for greater than 96 h (∼10%ID/g). An efficacy study showed that melanoma tumor-bearing mice receiving compound [177Lu]Lu-2 given in two fractions (2 × 14.8 MBq, 14 days apart) had a greater median survival time than mice administered a single 29.6 MBq dose of compound [177Lu]Lu-1, while a single 29.6 MBq dose of [177Lu]Lu-2 imparted hematopoietic toxicity. The in vitro and in vivo data show addition of pIBA to [177Lu]Lu-DOTAGA-PEG4-LLP2A slows blood clearance for a higher tumor uptake, and there is potential of [177Lu]Lu-2 as a theranostic in fractionated administered doses.

Here we describe an anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) minibody (IAB2MA) conjugated to an octadentate, macrocyclic chelator based on four 1-hydroxypyridin-2-one coordinating units (Lumi804 [L804]) labeled with 89Zr (PET imaging) and 177Lu (radiopharmaceutical therapy), with the goal of developing safer and more efficacious treatment options for prostate cancer. Methods: L804 was compared with the current gold standard chelators, DOTA and deferoxamine (DFO), conjugated to IAB2MA for radiolabeling with 177Lu and 89Zr in cell binding, preclinical biodistribution, imaging, dosimetry, and efficacy studies in the PSMA-positive PC3-PIP tumor-bearing mouse model of prostate cancer. Results: Quantitative radiolabeling (>99% radiochemical yield) of L804-IAB2MA with 177Lu or 89Zr was achieved at ambient temperature in under 30 min, comparable to 89Zr labeling of DFO-IAB2MA. In contrast, DOTA-IAB2MA was radiolabeled with 177Lu for 30 min at 37°C in approximately 90% radiochemical yield, requiring further purification. Using europium(III) as a luminescent surrogate, high binding affinity of Eu-L804-IAB2MA to PSMA was demonstrated in PC3-PIP cells (dissociation constant, 4.6 ± 0.6 nM). All 4 radiolabeled constructs showed significantly higher levels of internalization after 30 min in the PC3-PIP cells than in PSMA-negative PC3-FLU cells. The accumulation of 177Lu- and 89Zr-L804-IAB2MA in PC3-PIP tumors and all organs examined (i.e., heart, liver, spleen, kidney, muscle, salivary glands, lacrimal glands, carcass, and bone) was significantly lower than that of 177Lu-DOTA-IAB2MA and 89Zr-DFO-IAB2MA at 96 and 72 h after injection, respectively. Generally, SPECT/CT and PET/CT imaging data showed no significant difference in the SUVmean of the tumors or muscle between the radiotracers. Dosimetry analysis via both organ-level and voxel-level dose calculation methods indicated significantly higher absorbed doses of 177Lu-DOTA-IAB2MA in tumors, kidney, liver, muscle, and spleen than of 177Lu-L804-IAB2MA. PC3-PIP tumor-bearing mice treated with single doses of 177Lu-L804-IAB2MA (18.4 or 22.2 MBq) exhibited significantly prolonged survival and reduced tumor volume compared with unlabeled minibody control. No significant difference in survival was observed between groups of mice treated with 177Lu-L804-IAB2MA or 177Lu-DOTA-IAB2MA (18.4 or 22.2 MBq). Treatment with 177Lu-L804-IAB2MA resulted in lower absorbed doses in tumors and less toxicity than that of 177Lu-DOTA-IAB2MA. Conclusion: 89Zr- and 177Lu-L804-IAB2MA may be a promising theranostic pair for imaging and therapy of prostate cancer.

Background Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 men, and it is the second‑leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. Surgery is one of the main treatment modalities for prostate cancer, but it often results in incomplete resection margins or complete resection that leads to nerve damage and undesirable side effects. In the present work, we have developed a new bimodal tracer, NODAGA-sCy7.5 PSMAi (prostate-specific membrane antigen inhibitor), labeled with the true matched theranostic pair 64Cu/67Cu and a near-infrared fluorescent dye. This agent could potentially be used for concomitant PET imaging, optical surgical navigation, and targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy. Methods A prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting urea derivative was conjugated to NODAGA for copper radiolabeling and to the near-infrared fluorophore sulfo-Cy7.5 (sCy7.5). Binding studies were performed in PSMA-positive PC-3 PIP cells, as well as uptake and internalization assays in PC-3 PIP cells and PSMA-negative PC-3 wild type cells. Biodistribution studies of the 64Cu-labeled compound were performed in PC-3 PIP- and PC-3 tumor-bearing mice, and 67Cu biodistributions of the agent were obtained in PC-3 PIP tumor-carrying mice. PET imaging and fluorescence imaging were also performed, using the same molar doses, in the two mouse models. Results The PSMA conjugate bound with high affinity to PSMA-positive prostate cancer cells, as opposed to cells that were PSMA-negative. Uptake and internalization were rapid and PSMA-mediated in PC-3 PIP cells, while only minimal non-specific uptake was observed in PC-3 cells. Biodistribution studies showed specific uptake in PC-3 PIP tumors, while accumulation in PC-3 tumor-bearing mice was low. Furthermore, tumor uptake of the 67Cu-labeled agent in the PC-3 PIP model was statistically equivalent to that of 64Cu. PET and fluorescence imaging at 0.5 nmol per mouse also demonstrated that PC-3 PIP tumors could be clearly detected, while PC-3 tumors showed no tumor accumulation. Conclusions NODAGA-sCy7.5-PSMAi was specific and selective in detecting PSMA-positive, as opposed to PSMA-negative, tumors in mouse models of prostate cancer. This bioconjugate could potentially be used for PET staging with 64Cu, targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy with 67Cu, and/or image-guided surgery with sCy7.5.

Background CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor and is expressed in innate and adaptive immune cells. It promotes the recruitment of T-lymphocytes and other immune cells to the inflammatory site in response to the binding of cognate chemokines. Upregulation of CXCR3 and its chemokines has been found during atherosclerotic lesion formation. Therefore, detection of CXCR3 by positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer can be a useful tool for detecting the development of atherosclerosis in a noninvasive manner. Herein, we report the synthesis, radiosynthesis, and characterization of a novel fluorine-18 (F-18, 18 F) labeled small-molecule radiotracer for the imaging of the CXCR3 receptor in mouse models of atherosclerosis. Results The reference standard 1 and its precursor 9 were synthesized over 5 steps from starting materials in good to moderate yields. The measured K i values of CXCR3A and CXCR3B were 0.81 ± 0.02 nM and 0.31 ± 0.02 nM, respectively. [ 18 F] 1 was prepared by a two-step radiosynthesis with a decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 13 ± 2%, radiochemical purity > 99%, and specific activity of 44.4 ± 3.7 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis ( n = 6). The baseline studies showed that [ 18 F] 1 displayed high uptake in the atherosclerotic aorta and brown adipose tissue in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) mice fed with a high-fat diet over 12 weeks. The uptake of [ 18 F] 1 in these regions was reduced significantly in self-blocking studies, demonstrating CXCR3 binding specificity. Contrary to this, no significant differences in uptake of [ 18 F] 1 in the abdominal aorta of C57BL/6 control mice fed with a normal diet were observed in both baseline and blocking studies, indicating increased CXCR3 expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated that [ 18 F] 1 -positive regions were correlated with CXCR3 expression, but some atherosclerotic plaques with significant size were not detected by [ 18 F] 1 , and their CXCR3 expressions were minimal. Conclusion [ 18 F] 1 was synthesized with good radiochemical yield and high radiochemical purity. In PET imaging studies, [ 18 F] 1 displayed CXCR3-specific uptake in the atherosclerotic aorta in ApoE KO mice. [ 18 F] 1 visualized CXCR3 expression in different regions in mice aligned with the tissue histology studies. Taken together, [ 18 F] 1 is a potential PET radiotracer for imaging CXCR3 in atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION:Recent progress with the production of 72As (2.49 Mev β+max (64%), 3.33 Mev β+max (16%), 834 keV γ (81%), t1/2: 26 h) and 77As (0.683 Mev β-max (97%), 239 keV γ (1.59%), t1/2: 38.8 h) has facilitated their evaluation as a potential "theranostic pair" for PET imaging and radiotherapy. Our 3rd generation trithiol chelate with two carboxylic acid groups was further developed as a bifunctional chelate for radioarsenic. METHODS:The As complex with the trithiol chelate was synthesized and characterized. No carrier added (nca) [77As][H2AsO4-] was used for radiolabeling studies. The trithiol chelate was conjugated to the RM2 peptide (DPhe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2) via solid phase peptide synthesis with two different linkers, Ser-Ser and Glu-Ser. The trithiol chelate and its RM2 bioconjugates were radiolabeled with nca 77As, and the RM2 bioconjugates were compared in initial biodistribution studies. RESULTS:The As diacid trithiol complex was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The trithiol-RM2 precursor and As trithiol bioconjugates were characterized by HR-ESI-MS and/or LC-ESI-MS. Radiolabeling of the RM2 bioconjugates with 77As resulted in over 85% radiochemical yield for [77As]As-trithiol-Ser-Ser-RM2 ([77As]8) and 90% for [77As]As-trithiol-Glu-Ser-RM2 ([77As]9). Both radiotracers demonstrated excellent in vitro stability (≥ 90% remaining intact through 24 h in PBS buffer) and were more hydrophilic than previous analogues based on log D7.4 values. Biodistribution results of the two radiotracers in healthy CF-1 male mice demonstrated blockable pancreatic uptake at 1 h (82% for ([77As]8 and 78% for [77As]9) indicating specific gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) uptake. The primary route of excretion was through the gastrointestinal system for both radiotracers. CONCLUSIONS:A new trithiol chelate with improved hydrophilicity was successfully conjugated to the RM2 peptide via two linkers, and high radiolabeling yield with nca 77As was achieved. In vivo biodistribution studies with both radiotracers demonstrated blockable pancreatic uptake suggestive of specific receptor uptake.

In this study, we describe the development of heterobivalent [DUPA-6-Ahx-([111In]In-DO3A)-8-Aoc-BBN ANT] and [DUPA-6-Ahx-([177Lu]Lu-DO3A)-8-Aoc-BBN ANT] radiotracers that display very high selectivity/specificity for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-/prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-expressing cells. These studies include metallation, purification, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the new small-molecule-/peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals having utility for imaging and potentially therapy. Competitive displacement binding assays using PC-3 cells and LNCaP cell membranes showed high binding affinity for the GRPR or the PSMA. Biodistribution studies showed favorable excretion pharmacokinetics with high tumor uptake in PC-3 or PC-3 prostatic inhibin peptide (PIP) tumor-bearing mice. For example, tumor accumulation at the 1 h time point ranged from (4.74 ± 0.90) to (7.51 ± 2.61)%ID/g. Micro-single-photon emission computed tomography (microSPECT) molecular imaging investigations showed very high uptake in tumors with minimal accumulation of tracers in the surrounding collateral tissues in xenografted mice at 4 h postintravenous injection. In conclusion, [DUPA-6-Ahx-([111In]In-DO3A)-8-Aoc-BBN ANT] and [DUPA-6-Ahx-([177Lu]Lu-DO3A)-8-Aoc-BBN ANT] tracers displayed favorable pharmacokinetic and excretion profiles with high uptake and retention in tumors.

Introduction: Peripheral mu (II) opioid receptors are implicated in pain, bowel dysfunction and the progression of certain cancers. In an effort to identify radioligands well suited for imaging these peripheral sites, we have prepared and evaluated four hydrophilic In-111 labeled DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) conjugated mu tetrapeptides. Methods: Peptides were prepared by solid-phase techniques, using orthogonal strategies to achieve branching to DOTA, and then characterized by HPLC, mass spectroscopy and amino acid analysis. Scaffolds included novel peptide H-Dmt-D-Ala-Phe-Orn-NH2 (DAPO), where Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine, and known peptide H-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 ([Dmt(1)]DALDA). Constructs had DOTA conjugation at the Orn(4) or Lys(4) side chains, or to the C-terminal through a hexanoic acid-lysine linker. Indium(III) complexation and In-111 radiolabeling were accomplished by standard methods. Protein binding and Log D-7.4 were determined. Binding and pharmacological profiles were obtained in vitro. Biodistribution and radiometabolite studies were conducted using male CD-1 mice. Results: All four indium(III)-DOTA conjugates derived from DAPO and [Dmt(1)]DALDA showed good selectivity and subnanomolar affinity for mu opioid receptors. One radioligand, H-Dmt-D-Ala-Phe-Orn(delta In-111[ln-DOTA)-NH2, showed 25% specific binding in vivo to sites in mouse gut. Notably, this was the least polar of the series, and also showed low sensitivity to modulation of binding by sodium ions. All radioligands showed high kidney uptake of radiometabolites. Conclusions: Visualizing peripheral mu opioid receptors using In-111 labeled DOTA-conjugated tetrapeptides appears feasible, but structural modifications to enhance specific binding and metabolic stability, as well as to reduce kidney uptake, will be required. Advances in knowledge: This study shows in vivo labeling of peripheral mu opioid receptors by a tetrapeptide radioligand, and provides information that should prove useful in the design of peptide radioligands having optimal properties. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) is often highly expressed on neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), making it a popular in vivo target for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches aimed toward management of NETs. In this work, an antagonist peptide (sst2-ANT) with high affinity for SSTR2 was modified at the N-terminus with a novel [N,S,O] bifunctional chelator (2) designed for tridentate chelation of rhenium(I) and technetium(I) tricarbonyl cores, [Re(CO)3]+ and [99mTc][Tc(CO)3]+. The chelator-peptide conjugation was performed via a Cu(I)-assisted click reaction of the alkyne-bearing chelator (2) with an azide-functionalized sst2-ANT peptide (3), to yield NSO-sst2-ANT (4). Two synthetic methods were used to prepare Re-4 at the macroscopic scale, which differed based on the relative timing of the click conjugation to the [Re(CO)3]+ complexation by 2. The resulting products demonstrated the expected molecular mass and nanomolar in vitro SSTR2 affinity (IC50 values under 30 nM, AR42J cells, [125I]iodo-Tyr11-somatostatin-14 radioligand standard). However, a difference in their HPLC retention times suggested a difference in metal coordination modes, which was attributed to a competing N-triazole donor ligand formed during click conjugation. Surprisingly, the radiotracer scale reaction of [99mTc][Tc(OH2)3(CO)3]+ (99mTc; t½ = 6 h, 141 keV γ) with 4 formed a third product, distinct from the Re analogues, making this one of the unusual cases in which Re and Tc chemistries are not well matched. Nevertheless, the [99mTc]Tc-4 product demonstrated excellent in vitro stability to challenges by cysteine and histidine (≥98% intact through 24 h), along with 75% stability in mouse serum through 4 h. In vivo biodistribution and microSPECT/CT imaging studies performed in AR42J tumor-bearing mice revealed improved clearance of this radiotracer in comparison to a similar [99mTc][Tc(CO)3]-labeled sst2-ANT derivative previously studied. Yet despite having adequate tumor uptake at 1 h (4.9% ID/g), tumor uptake was not blocked by co-administration of a receptor-saturating dose of SS-14. Aimed toward realignment of the Re and Tc product structures, future efforts should include distancing the alkyne group from the intended donor atoms of the chelator, to reduce the coordination options available to the [M(CO)3]+ core (M = Re, 99mTc) by disfavoring involvement of the N-triazole.

Introduction: A somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-targeting antagonist peptide (sst(2)-ANT) was radiolabeled with Tc-99m tricarbonyl via a tridentate [N,S,N]-type ligand (L) to develop a radiodiagnostic agent, (TcL)-Tc-99m-sst(2)-ANT, for imaging of SSTR-expressing neuroendocrine tumors.Methods: Receptor affinity was assessed in vitro with the nonradioactive analogue, ReL-sst(2)-ANT, via a challenge experiment in AR42J cells with (ISS)-I-125-14 as the competing radioligand. Preparation of (TcL)-Tc-99m-sst(2)-ANT was achieved via reaction of Tc-99m(CO)(3)(H2O)(3)](+) with L-sst(2)-ANT. To test the stability of the radiolabeled complex, challenge experiments were performed in phosphate-buffered saline solutions containing cysteine or histidine and also in mouse serum. Biodistribution and micro-SPECT/CT imaging studies were performed in AR42J tumor-bearing female ICR SCID mice.Results: The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 value) of ReL-sst(2)-ANT in AR42J cells was 15 nM. Preparation of (TcL)-Tc-99m-sst(2)-ANT was achieved with >= 97% radiochemical yield (RCY) and was verified by HPLC co-elution with the ReL-sst(2)-ANT analogue. The radiolabeled complex remained intact for up to 24 h in high concentration solutions of cysteine and histidine at 37 degrees C. Furthermore, the radiotracer was 90% stable for 1 h at 37 degrees C in mouse serum. Micro-SPECT/CT images showed clear uptake in tumors and were supported by the biodistribution data, in which the 3.2% ID/g tumor uptake at 4 h was significantly blocked by co-administration of nonradioactive SS-14.Conclusions: A [Tc-99m(CO)(3)(N,S,N)] chelate was employed for radiolabeling of an SSTR-targeting antagonist peptide. Synthesis of (TcL)-Tc-99m-sst(2)-ANT was achieved in high RCY, and the resulting complex displayed high in vitro stability. Somatostatin receptor affinity was retained in both cells and in tumor-bearing mice, where the complex successfully targeted SSTR-positive tumors via a receptor-mediated process. Advances in Knowledge and Implications for Patient Care. This first Tc-99m-tricarbonyl-labeled SSTR antagonist peptide showed promising in vivo tumor targeting in mice. Future studies may lead to translation of a similar design into the clinic. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Population studies have shown that compared to diabetic men, diabetic women are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms underlying this gender disparity are unclear. Our studies in young murine models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease show that diabetic male rats develop increased cardiac fibrosis and suppression of intracardiac anti-fibrotic cytokines, while premenopausal diabetic female rats do not. This protection from cardiac fibrosis in female rats can be an estrogen-related effect. However, diabetic female rats develop early subclinical myocardial deformation, cardiac hypertrophy via elevated expression of pro-hypertrophic miR-208a, myocardial damage, and suppression of cardio-reparative Angiotensin II receptor 2 (Agtr2). Diabetic rats of both sexes exhibit a reduction in cardiac capillary density. However, diabetic female rats have reduced expression of neuropilin 1 that attenuates cardiomyopathy compared to diabetic male rats. A combination of cardiac hypertrophy and reduced capillary density likely contributed to increased myocardial structural damage in diabetic female rats. We propose expansion of existing cardiac assessments in diabetic female patients to detect myocardial deformation, cardiac hypertrophy and capillary density via non-invasive imaging, as well as suggest miR-208a, AT2R and neuropilin 1 as potential therapeutic targets and mechanistic biomarkers for cardiac disease in females.

Activation of sigma1 (σ1) receptors contributes to the behavioral and toxic effects of (-)-cocaine. We studied a key step, the ability of (-)-cocaine to occupy σ1 receptors in vivo, using CD-1(®) mice and the novel radioligand [(125) I]E-N-1-(3'-iodoallyl)-N'-4-(3",4"-dimethoxyphenethyl)-piperazine ([(125) I]E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE). (-)-Cocaine displayed an ED50 of 68 μmol/kg for inhibition of specific radioligand binding in whole brain, with values between 73 and 80 μmol/kg for heart, lung, and spleen. For comparison, an ED50 of 26 μmol/kg for (-)-cocaine occupancy of striatal dopamine transporters (DAT) was determined by inhibition of [(125) I]3β-(4-iodophenyl)tropan-2β-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester ([(125) I]RTI-121) binding. A chief finding is the relatively small potency difference between (-)-cocaine occupancy of σ1 receptors and the DAT, although the DAT occupancy is likely underestimated. Interactions of (-)-cocaine with σ1 receptors were assessed further using [(125) I]E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE for regional cerebral biodistribution studies and quantitative ex vivo autoradiography of brain sections. (-)-Cocaine binding to cerebral σ1 receptors proved directly proportional to the relative site densities known for the brain regions. Nonradioactive E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE gave an ED50 of 0.23 μmol/kg for occupancy of cerebral σ1 receptors, and a 3.16 μmol/kg (i.p.) dose attenuated (-)-cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity by 30%. This effect did not reach statistical significance, but suggests that E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE is a probable σ1 receptor antagonist. As groundwork for the in vivo studies, we used standard techniques in vitro to determine ligand affinities, site densities, and pharmacological profiles for the σ1 and σ2 receptors expressed in CD-1(®) mouse brain.

1267 Objectives Aim to evaluate 198Au nanoparticles (AuNP) biodistribution and uptake in a human prostate model for treatment. Many phytochemicals are known to have anti-tumor properties but have short half-lives in vivo. We hypothesized that using these phytochemicals to formulate and coat AuNP would inhibit enzyme cleavage and enhance their anti-tumor properties. Initial evaluations were performed in SCID mice bearing PC3 tumors. Methods : 198AuNP were formulated with the following gum Arabic, epigalocatechin gallate (EGCg) pomegranate extract and mangiferin extract. The resultant nanoparticles were evaluated in normal mice and in human prostate bearing SCID mice. The tumor bearing mice were injected intratumorally with 3-5 uCi of 198AuNP and euthanized at the following time points 30 min, 1,2,4 and 24 hr. Various organs were removed and counted along with standards to calculate the percent injected dose per organ and per gram. Results All nanoparticles showed high retention in the tumor with the 198AuNP formulated from mangiferin showing the highest retention 80.98 ± 13.39 %ID at 30 min and remaining steady out to 24 hr 79.82 ±10.55 % ID. The tumor uptake and retention was in the following order mangiferin> pomegranate (61.5 ± 26.4 %ID > EGCg 36.2 ± 12.5 %ID > gum Arabic 17.75.± 23.36 %ID. Conclusions : 198AuNP were stably formed using gum Arabic, EGCg, pomegranate extract and mangiferin. The 198AuNp were shown to be retained in high yields in prostate tumors demonstrating their potential for ablation of prostate cancer. Research Support This research supported by NSEI, MURR, Green Technology institute /MU. Al-Yasiri supported by the University of Baghdad and NSEI.