Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Tc-99m Labeled Probestin Conjugates for Imaging APN/CD13 Expression In Vivo

The enzyme aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13) is known to play an important role in tumor proliferation, attachment, angiogenesis, and tumor invasion. In this study, we hypothesized that a radiolabeled high affinity APN inhibitor could be potentially useful for imaging APN expression in vivo. Here, we report synthesis, radiolabeling, and biological evaluation of new probestin conjugates containing a tripeptide, N,N-dimethylglycyl-l-lysinyl-l-cysteinylamide (N3S), chelator. New probestin conjugates were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis method, purified by reversed-phase HPLC, and characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry. The conjugates were complexed with Re(V) and 99mTc(V) by transmetalation using corresponding Re(V) or 99mTc(V) gluconate synthon. The mass spectral analyses of ReO-N3S-Probestin conjugates were consistent with the formation of neutral Re(V)O–N3S complexes. Initial biological activity of ReO-N3S-Probestin conjugates determined by performing an in vitro APN enzyme ...