Publications Repository - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Ziel: It is accepted that at least two σ receptor subtypes exist, termed σ1 and σ2 [1, 2]. Of these, σ1 receptor, the best characterized up to now [3], is assumed to be involved in several neurological diseases. PET imaging using specific σ1 receptor radioligands could be very helpful to obtain a target validation during drug development, a quantitative in vivo mapping of σ1 receptors as well as an improvement of our understanding of all the processes in which σ1 receptors are involved. Recently, a new class of spirocyclic piperidines with high affinity and selectivity for σ1 receptor binding site has been developed. Within this series, [18F]WMS1813 ([18F]1’-benzyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-3H-spiro[[2]benzofuran-1,4’-piperidine]) has been successfully developed and used for detection of central σ1 receptors in mice [4]. Further structure-activity relationship studies on the linear ω-fluoroalkyl chain provided three other promising analogues, bearing either fluoromethyl- (WMS1850), fluoroethyl- (WMS1828) or fluorobutyl- (WMS1847) moieties. Herein, we report on the radiosynthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of these new candidates for PET imaging of σ1 receptors.
Methoden: [18F]WMS1850, [18F]WMS1828, and [18F]WMS1847 were synthesized by direct aliphatic nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding tosylate precursors by using the K[18F]F-K222-carbonate complex. For each radiotracer studied, solvent, temperature, reaction time and precursor concentration were optimized. Preliminary experiments on lipophilicity, chemical stability, organ distribution and metabolic stability in CD-1 mice were performed.
Ergebnisse: Optimisation of radiofluorination parameters provided high labelling efficiencies of 61-88% using acetonitrile or DMSO as solvent, at 83 °C or 150°C respectively, with precursor concentrations between 2.0 and 3.0 mg/mL. [18F]WMS1850, [18F]WMS1828, and [18F]WMS1847 were obtained with radiochemical yields of 43-50%, 35-45%, and 45-53%, respectively, radiochemical purities of >98.5%, and high specific activities, generally ≥150 GBq/µmol. Distribution coefficients determined experimentally (Log D = 2.39-3.16, pH = 7.2), underline the moderate lipophilic character of the three radiotracers. The radiolabeled compounds also show appropriate chemical stabilities in acetonitrile, PBS, TRIS-HCl, and Dulbecco buffer.
No radiometabolites permeated into the brain of mice up to 60 min p.i. Metabolic profiles in liver, plasma, and urine were also investigated. By ex vivo autoradiography, the highest target (facial nucleus)-to-nontarget (olfactory bulb) tissue ratio has been determined for [18F]WMS1828 with a value of 4.69 at 45 min p.i. [18F]WMS1828 was superior also in organ distribution studies with a value of brain uptake of 4.71 ± 1.39 %ID/g in comparison to [18F]WMS1813 (3.18 ± 0.68 %ID/g), and [18F]WMS1847 (1.78 ± 0.16 %ID/g), and [18F]WMS1850 (2.65 ± 0.68 %ID/g) at 30 min p.i.
Schlussfolgerungen: For the three radiotracers studied, optimised protocols led to very efficient radiosyntheses. With respect to first biological data, [18F]WMS1828 appears to be the most promising candidate for PET imaging of σ1 receptors, with even better pharmacological profile than the lead compound. Hence, [18F]WMS1828 radiosynthesis is selected for transfer onto an automated radiosynthesis module with a view to further clinical development.
Referenzen:
[1] Quirion, R.; Bowen, W. D.; Itzhak, Y.; Junien, J. L.; Musacchio, J. M.; Rothman, R. B.; Su, T. S.; Tam, S. W.; Taylor, D. P. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 1992; 13: 85-86.
[2] Hayashi, T. ; Su, T. P. Current Neuropharmacology. 2005; 3: 267-280.
[3] van Waarde, A.; Ramakrishnan, N. K.; Rybczynska, A. A.; Elsinga, P. H.; Ishiwata, K.; Nijholt, I. M.; Luiten, P. G. M.; Dierckx, R. A. Behavioural Brain Research. 2010; doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2009.12.043.
[4] Maestrup, E. G.; Fischer, S.; Wiese, C.; Schepmann, D.; Hiller, A.; Deuther-Conrad, W.; Steinbach, J.; Wünsch, B.; Brust, P. J. Med. Chem. 2009; 52: 6062-6072.