Synthesis, radiolabeling and bioevaluation of a novel arylpiperazine derivative containing triazole as a 5-HT1A receptor imaging agents

IntroductionIt has been recognized that serotonin plays a main role in various pathological conditions such as anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, schizophrenia, suicidal behavior, panic and autism. 1-(2-Methoxyphenyl) piperazine pharmacophore, a fragment of the true 5-HT1A antagonist WAY100635, is found in numerous selective 5-HT1A imaging agents. In this paper, we have reported the synthesis of a novel derivative of 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine that is labeled with 99mTc (CO)3 via click chemistry.MethodsThe bidentate alkyne, propargylglycine was reacted with phenyl piperazine triazole derivative in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu (I) to form tridentate ligand. The ligand was radiolabeled with the precursor [99mTc] [(H2O)3 (CO)3]+ and characterized by HPLC. The bioevaluation of radio labeled ligand was carried out in rats.ResultsTriazole complex was labeled by 99mTc-tricarbonyl and its radiochemical yield was more than > 95% which was determined by HPLC. In vivo stability studies in human serum albumin show a 93% ratio of complex after a 24 h period. The calculated partition coefficient (logP) was 0.34 ± 0.02. Receptor binding assays indicated about 70% specific binding of radioligand to 5-HT1A receptors. Biodistribution studies have shown brain hippocampus uptake of 0.40 ± 0.08 %ID/g at 30 min post injection.ConclusionsResults indicate that this 99mTc-tricabonyl-arylpiperazine derivative has specific binding to 5-HT1A receptors and presented suitable characters for its use as a CNS imaging agent.