Dopamine-containing gadolinium complex as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent

Gadolinium diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic bisdopamide (Gd-DTPA-2DA) was synthesized by the incorporation of dopamine to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and further reaction with gadolinium chloride. In vitro and in vivo properties were also evaluated. Gadolinium complex Gd-DTPA-2DA possessed higher relaxation effectiveness and less cytotoxicity to HeLa cells than that of Gd-DTPA. Moreover, Gd-DTPA-2DA greatly enhanced the contrast of MR images of the brains, provided prolonged intravascular duration, and produced highly contrasted visualization of the brain.