Synthesis and in vivo imaging of [11C]GR103545, a kappa opioid PET ligand
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Kappa
κ-opioid receptor
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NOP
Nociceptin receptor
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Radioligand
Naltrindole
κ-opioid receptor
μ-opioid receptor
δ-opioid receptor
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Diprenorphine
Ex vivo
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Noninvasive methods to study glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling are urgently needed to elaborate the complexity of GR signaling in normal physiology and human disorders, as well as to identify selective GR modulators to treat diseases. Here, we report evidence supporting translational studies with (±)-11C-5-(4-fluorobenzyl)-10-methoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-chromeno[3,4-f]-quinoline ((±)-11C-YJH08), a radioligand for PET that engages the ligand binding domain on GR. Methods: (±)-11C-YJH08 was synthesized by reacting the phenol precursor with 11C-methyl iodide. The biodistribution was studied in vivo. Specific binding was tested in vivo with adrenalectomy and ligand competition. A library of analogs was synthesized and studied in vitro and in vivo to understand the (±)-11C-YJH08 structure–activity relationship. Rodent dosimetry studies were performed to estimate the human-equivalent doses of (±)-11C-YJH08. Results: (±)-11C-YJH08 was synthesized by reaction of the phenolic precursor with 11C-methyl iodide, giving a radiochemical yield of 51.7% ± 4.7% (decay-corrected to starting 11C-methyl iodide). Specific binding was observed in many tissues, including the brain. An analysis of the (±)-YJH08 structure–activity relationship showed that (R)- and (S)-enantiomers are equally avid for GR by occupying discrete binding modes. A focused chemical screen revealed that the aryl fluoride motif on YJH08 is essential for high-affinity GR binding in vitro, high tissue uptake in vivo, and efficient passage across the blood–brain barrier. Lastly, we performed dosimetry studies on rodents, from which we estimated the human-equivalent doses of (±)-11C-YJH08 to be commensurate with the widely used 11C and 18F tracers. Conclusion: These studies reveal the molecular determinants of a high-affinity and high-selectivity ligand–receptor interaction and support the use of (±)-11C-YJH08 PET to make the first measurements of GR expression in human subjects.
Biodistribution
Radioligand
Methyl iodide
Translocator protein
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5 Objectives The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is involved in depression, alcoholism and drug abuse. The current agonist tracer 11C-GR103545 is not ideal for imaging KOR in humans due to its slow tissue kinetics. The aim of our project was to develop novel KOR agonist tracers with improved imaging properties. Methods Novel compounds were synthesized and assayed for in vitro binding affinities. Ligand candidates were then selected for radiolabeling and evaluation in rhesus monkeys. Baseline and blocking scans with specific blocking agents were conducted on a Focus-220 scanner to assess the ligand’s binding strength, specificity and selectivity. Metabolite-corrected arterial activity curves were measured and used as input functions in the analysis of brain time-activity curves and calculation of binding parameters with kinetic models. Results Ligand FEKAP was found to have high KOR binding affinity (Ki=0.43 nM) and selectivity in vitro. 11C-FEKAP was prepared in high specific activity and radiochemical purity of >99% (n=16). In monkeys 11C-FEKAP metabolized fairly fast with ~31% of parent fraction at 30 min post-injection. In the brain it exhibited fast and reversible kinetics with peak uptake time of Conclusions The novel KOR agonist tracer 11C-FEKAP demonstrated binding specificity and selectivity in vivo, and exhibited the dual attractive properties of fast tissue kinetics and high specific binding. Assessment of this radiotracer in humans is currently underway. Research Support NIH: 4R21MH092664 & 4R33MH092664
Receptor–ligand kinetics
κ-opioid receptor
Binding potential
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Radioligand
5-HT7 receptor
Radiosynthesis
Radioligand Assay
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The κ-opioid receptors (KORs) are implicated in several neuropsychiatric diseases and addictive disorders. PET with radioligands provides a means to image the KOR in vivo and investigate its function in health and disease. The purpose of this study was to develop the selective KOR antagonist 11C-LY2459989 as a PET radioligand and characterize its imaging performance in nonhuman primates. Methods: LY2459989 was synthesized and assayed for in vitro binding to opioid receptors. Ex vivo studies in rodents were conducted to assess its potential as a tracer candidate. 11C-LY2459989 was synthesized by reaction of its iodophenyl precursor with 11C-cyanide, followed by partial hydrolysis of the resulting 11C-cyanophenyl intermediate. Imaging experiments with 11C-LY2459989 were performed in rhesus monkeys with arterial input function measurement. Imaging data were analyzed with kinetic models to derive in vivo binding parameters. Results: LY2459989 is a full antagonist with high binding affinity and selectivity for KOR (0.18, 7.68, and 91.3 nM, respectively, for κ, μ, and δ receptors). Ex vivo studies in rats indicated LY2459989 as an appropriate tracer candidate with high specific binding signals and confirmed its KOR binding selectivity in vivo. 11C-LY2459989 was synthesized in high radiochemical purity and good specific activity. In rhesus monkeys, 11C-LY2459989 displayed a fast rate of peripheral metabolism. Similarly, 11C-LY2459989 displayed fast uptake kinetics in the brain and an uptake pattern consistent with the distribution of KOR in primates. Pretreatment with naloxone (1 mg/kg, intravenously) resulted in a uniform distribution of radioactivity in the brain. Further, specific binding of 11C-LY2459989 was dose-dependently reduced by the selective KOR antagonist LY2456302 and the unlabeled LY2459989. Regional binding potential values derived from the multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) method, as a measure of in vivo specific binding signal, were 2.18, 1.39, 1.08, 1.04, 1.03, 0.59, 0.51, and 0.50, respectively, for the globus pallidus, cingulate cortex, insula, caudate, putamen, frontal cortex, temporal cortex, and thalamus. Conclusion: The novel PET radioligand 11C-LY2459989 displayed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, a specific and KOR-selective binding profile, and high specific binding signals in vivo, thus making it a promising PET imaging agent for KOR.
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Binding potential
Ex vivo
μ-opioid receptor
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5-HT4 receptor
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Studies have shown κ-opioid receptor (KOR) abnormalities in addictive disorders, other central nervous system diseases, and Alzheimer's disease. We have developed the first set of agonist 11C-GR103545 and antagonist 11C-LY2795050 radiotracers for PET imaging of KOR in humans. Nonetheless, 11C-GR103545 displays protracted uptake kinetics and is not an optimal radiotracer. Here, we report the development and evaluation of 11C-methyl-(R)-4-(2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl)-3-((diethylamino)methyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (11C-EKAP) and its comparison with 11C-GR103545. Methods: EKAP was synthesized and assayed for in vitro binding affinities and then radiolabeled. PET studies were performed on rhesus monkeys. Blocking studies were performed with naloxone and the selective KOR antagonists LY2795050 and LY2456302. Arterial input functions were generated for use in kinetic modeling. Brain TACs were analyzed with multilinear analysis 1 to derive binding parameters. Results: EKAP has high KOR affinity (inhibition constant, 0.28 nM) and good selectivity in vitro. 11C-EKAP was prepared in good radiochemical purity. 11C-EKAP rapidly metabolized in plasma and displayed fast and reversible kinetics in brain, with peak uptake at less than 20 min after injection. Preblocking with naloxone (1 mg/kg) or LY2795050 (0.2 mg/kg) produced 84%-89% receptor occupancy, whereas LY2456302 (0.05 and 0.3 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced 11C-EKAP-specific binding, thus demonstrating its binding specificity and selectivity in vivo. Mean multilinear analysis 1-derived nondisplaceable binding potential values were 1.74, 1.79, 1.46, 0.80, and 0.77 for cingulate cortex, globus pallidus, insula, striatum, and frontal cortex, respectively, consistent with the known KOR distribution in primate brains. Conclusion: We have successfully developed 11C-EKAP as a KOR agonist tracer with dual attractive imaging properties of fast uptake kinetics and high specific binding in vivo.
PET Imaging
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