Study of preparation of radioiodinated allyl diprenorphine as an single photon emission computed tomographic imaging agent for mapping opioid receptors

Purpose: To prepare and evaluate radioiodinated allyl diprenorphine (DPN) as a new opioid receptor imaging agent for SPECT study. Methods: 7α-O-stannyl-DPN was obtained from DPN by acetylated it to protect the phenolic 3-OH group of DPN and then introduced the vinylstannane into the tertiary alcohol of the 7α-side chain. [125I]-7α-O-iodoallyl diprenorphine (7α-O-IA-DPN) was prepared by radioiododestannylation under acidic condition using iodobead as an oxidant reagent, and in vitro and in vivo opioid receptor binding assays, metabolism were performed with Kunming mouse brains. Study of distribution in the Wistar rat's brain and naloxone inhibition was carried out. The data were analyzed by statistical method. Results: The radiochemical yields of I-125-7α-O-IA-DPN were more than 90%. In TLC, Rf of 7α-O-IA-DPN and I-125-7α-O-IA-DPN was 0.83 and 0.93, respectively. In ambient temperature the radiochemical purity of I-125-7α-O-IA-DPN in rats showed higher in anterior and posterior colliculi, striatum and hippocampus. It was low in frontal lobe, temporal lobe and brain stem and was low in cerebellum and the other parts of the brain. Among the clearance from the structures in brain, it was fastest in cerebellum. At 20 min when the uptake reached to the peak, the ratio of anterior and posterior colliculi, striatum and hippocampus to the cerebellum was 4.36, 3.7 and 3.12, respectively. There were significant differences between the inhibition experimental group using the naloxone and control. Conclusions: I-125-7α-O-IA-DPN appears to be a potential opioid receptor imaging agent for SPECT study. (authors)