Synthesis of a novel 99mTc nitrido radiopharmaceutical with isopropyl xanthate, showing brain uptake

In the present study, isopropyl xanthate (IPXT) ligand was labeled with the [99mTc≡N]2+ core successfully to obtain the 99mTcN(IPXT)2 complex with high radiochemical purity. No decomposition of the complex at room temperature was observed over a period of 6 h. Its partition coefficient indicated that it was a good lipophilic complex. The electrophoresis results showed that the complex was neutral. Biodistribution in mice demonstrated that the complex accumulated in the brain with high uptake and good retention. The brain uptake (ID%/g) was 1.95, 1.58 and 1.86 at 5-, 30- and 60-min post-injection, respectively. As compared with other reported 99mTcN-xanthates, the 99mTcN(IPXT)2 complex showed higher brain uptake and better brain retention, suggesting potential usefulness of the complex as a brain perfusion imaging agent.