Dirk Bier

Quantification of Cerebral A1 Adenosine Receptors in Humans using [18F]CPFPX and PET

Adenosine is an important neuromodulator. Basic cerebral effects of adenosine are exerted by the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR), which is accessible in vivo by the novel ligand [18F]8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([18F]CPFPX) and positron emission tomography (PET). The present study investigates the applicability of kinetic models to describe the cerebral kinetics of [18F]CPFPX in order to quantify A1AR density in vivo. Six healthy volunteers underwent dynamic PET scanning and arterial blood sampling after bolus injection of [18F]CPFPX. For quantitative analysis, a standard two-tissue compartment model (2TCM) was compared with a one-tissue compartment model (1TCM) and Logans graphical analysis (GA). The 2TCM described the cerebral kinetics of [18F]CPFPX significantly better than the 1TCM (in all regions and subjects examined). The estimated values of the regional total distribution volumes (DVt) correlated strongly between the 2TCM and GA (linear regression r2 = 0.99, slope: 1.007). The DVt correlation between the 2TCM and the 1TCM was comparably high, but there was a significant bias towards lower DVt estimates given by the 1TCM (r2: 0.99, slope: 0.929). It is concluded that a 2TCM satisfactorily accounts for the cerebral kinetics of [18F]CPFPX. GA represents an attractive alternative method of analysis.

METABOLISM OF THE A1 ADENOSINE RECEPTOR POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY LIGAND [18F]8-CYCLOPENTYL-3-(3-FLUOROPROPYL)-1-PROPYLXANTHINE ([18F]CPFPX) IN RODENTS AND HUMANS

Studies of plasma from mice, rats, and human volunteers evaluated methods for the extraction and quantification of the positron emission tomography ligand [18F]8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([18F]CPFPX) and identification of its metabolites in plasma by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of human, mouse, and rat plasma extracts by HPLC identified four identical radioactive metabolites in each species. The low mass of radioligand administered to humans (0.5 - 5 nmol) prevented direct identification of metabolites. However, incubating liver microsomes with CPFPX and analysis by means of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified seven compounds, four having the same retention times as the metabolites in human plasma. Analysis of microsomal metabolites by LC-MS identified five [M + H]+ ions of m/z equivalent to hydroxy derivatives, 339, one of m/z equivalent to an oxo derivative, m/z 337, and one of m/z equivalent to a difunctionalized oxo-desaturation species, m/z 335, which is prominent in rat and mouse plasma and is the main metabolite in human plasma. An [M + H]+ ion corresponding to a N-dealkylated derivative was not detected. Thus, like the natural methylxanthines, CPFPX seems to undergo oxidation by liver microsomes but, unlike those methylxanthines, dealkylation did not occur. LC-MS experiments with “in source” fragmentation identified the cyclopentyl moiety to be the most functionalized part of the molecule by liver microsomes and in vivo oxidations. Except for two metabolites, hydroxylated at the N1 propyl chain, all oxidative modifications found took place at the cyclopentyl ring.

In vivo imaging of rat brain A1 adenosine receptor occupancy by caffeine

Caffeine, the most commonly used central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, is a potent antagonist of A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs). These receptors can now be quantified and imaged with PET and [18F]CPFPX [1, 2]. The figure shows PET images of cerebral A1ARs (see cross-wires) in a control rat (a) and in a rat after blockade of A1ARs with caffeine (b) (4 mg/kg body weight, corresponding to three to four cups of coffee in a human being). Sagittal views are displayed on the left and transverse views on the right. *, Injection site. An ECAT EXACT HR+ scanner was used to obtain the PET images.

Collision-induced dissociation studies of caffeine in positive electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry using six deuterated isotopomers and one N1-ethylated homologue.

RATIONALE In order to deepen the understanding of electrospray ionisation collision-induced dissociation (ESI-CID) fragmentation reactions of xanthine derivatives for the identification of metabolites using low-resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis, basic experiments using caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) as model compound have been performed. METHODS Six deuterium isotopomers and one N1-ethylated homologue of caffeine have been synthesized and their ESI fragmentation spectra have been obtained by using LC/MS in combination with either standard or perdeuterated eluent mixtures. RESULTS One result of these studies is the finding that the positive charges of the ESI-CID caffeine fragments are caused by the addition of protons. Furthermore, the performed experiments allow the determination of all molecular formulae of each ESI-CID caffeine fragment. CONCLUSIONS As basic CID reactions of caffeine have been elucidated in this work, the developed fragmentation scheme may serve as a valuable tool for the interpretation of ESI-CID fragmentation spectra of more complex xanthine derivatives and their respective metabolites.

Synthesis of the main metabolite in human blood of the A1 adenosine receptor ligand [18F]CPFPX.

In human blood, the PET radiotracer [(18)F]CPFPX (1) is metabolized to numerous metabolites, one (M1) being the most prominent in plasma 30 min p.i. Because the mass of injected tracer is < or = 5 nmol, concentrations in plasma are too low to analyze. Human liver microsomes generate main metabolites having HPLC retention times identical to those in plasma. HPLC-MS tentatively identified M1 as 2. Synthesis of 2 and identical HPLC-MS spectra of 2 and M1 confirmed that assignment.

Evaluation of radioiodinated 8-Cyclopentyl-3-[(E)-3-iodoprop-2-en-1-yl]-1-propylxanthine ([*I]CPIPX) as a new potential A1 adenosine receptor antagonist for SPECT

8-Cyclopentyl-3-[(E)-3-[(131)I]iodoprop-2-en-1-yl]-1-propylxanthine (2*) was generated by iododestannylation of the tributyl-stannyl-precursor with [(131)I]NaI and chloramine T. The radiochemical yield of 2* was 82 +/- 4%, and the purity exceeded 98%. The specific activity was 33 +/- 19 GBq/micromol. Affinities for rat, pig and human A(1) adenosine receptors (A(1)ARs) were in the low nanomolar range, but poor selectivity for the human A(1)AR over the A(2A)AR was found. Additionally, in vitro and ex vivo autoradiographic studies revealed high unspecific binding which makes this ligand unsuitable for SPECT imaging.

Radiochemical synthesis of [123I]2-iodo-lisuride for dopamine D2-receptor studies

By variation of reaction parameters iodination of 3-(9,10-didehydro-6-methyl-8 alpha-ergolinyl)-1,1-diethylurea (lisuride) was performed with the radiohalogen [123I]iodine (t1/2 = 13.3 h). For comparative experiments and stability studies the beta(-)-emitting radioisotope [131I]iodine (t1/2 = 8.04 d) was also used. Reaction occurs at the activated position 2 of the molecule, thus leading to [123I]3-(9,10-didehydro-2-iodo-6-methyl-8 alpha-ergolinyl)-1,1-diethylurea ([123I]2-iodo-lisuride, [123I]ILIS) or the analogous [131I]iodine-labeled compound, respectively. Electrophilic radioactive species were generated by oxidation of no-carrier-added (n.c.a.) iodide with IODOGEN (1,3,4,6-tetrachloro-3 alpha,6 alpha-diphenylglycouril) fixed on the glass wall of the reaction vial prior to iodination. After optimization of reaction parameters [123I]2-iodo-lisuride after HPLC-purification was obtained with radiochemical yields of 70 +/- 5% and a radiochemical purity of > 97%. In n.c.a. syntheses, specific activities of the product were in the range between 4440 and 7400 GBq/mumol (120-200 Ci/mumol) corresponding to 50-85% of the theoretical value.

Efficient synthesis of [18F]FPyME: A new approach for the preparation of maleimide-containing prosthetic groups for the conjugation with thiols

An improved high yielding radiosynthesis of the known thiol-reactive maleimide-containing prosthetic group1-[3-(2-[18 F]fluoropyridine-3-yloxy)propyl]pyrrole-2,5-dione ([18 F]FPyME) is described. The target compound was obtained by a two-step one-pot procedure starting from a maleimide-containing nitro-precursor that was protected as a Diels-Alder adduct with 2,5-dimethylfurane. Nucleophilic radiofluorination followed by heat induced deprotection through a Retro Diels Alder reaction yielded, after chromatographic isolation, [18 F]FPyME with a radiochemical yield of 20% in about 60 min overall synthesis time. A variety of other [18 F]fluoropyridine based maleimide-containing prosthetic groups should be accessible via the described synthetic strategy.

Synthesis and radiofluorination of substituted aminothiazoles as A2A adenosine receptor ligands

Catalase is a ubiquitous antioxidant enzyme found in all organisms. The main task for catalase is to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Several rare polymorphisms have been found in the catalase gene. Most of them are associated with acatalasemia. A common C>T exchange, –262 bp from the transcription start site, influences promoter activity and blood catalase levels. A C>T exchange at – 844 in the promoter has been associated with hypertension in Chinese individuals. The human catalase gene consists of 13 exams and is located on chromosome 11p13. The human catalase promoter lacks a TATA-box but contains 3 GCboxes and 5 CCAAT-boxes. The GCand CCAATboxes generally work as promoter signals in many eukaryotic cells. The Sptranscription factor family recognises GC-boxes while the CCAAT-boxes are recognised by transcription factors such as NF-Y. Deletion analysis of the human catalase promoter showed that a region containing 2 GC-boxes and 5 CCAATboxes is necessary for basal transcription. Sitedirected mutagenesis was used to mutate the GCand CCAAT elements. Expression studies with reporter constructs showed that mutated GC-boxes give increased promoter activity. Expression studies with reporter constructs containing mutated CCAATboxes also influence promoter activity. Mutation of CCAAT-box 92 results in a complete lack of activity. Leading us to conclude that CCAATbox 92 is necessary for the basal expression of the human catalase gene in HepG2 cells. EMSA analysis showed that transcription factor NF-Y binds to the CCAAT-box. To establish the mechanism of differential promoter activity we are currently investigating whether negative regulation via an upstream GC box is influenced by the 262 C/T promoter polymorphism.

New potent A1 adenosine receptor radioligands for positron emission tomography.

8-Cyclopentyl-3-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([18F]CPFPX) is meanwhile an accepted receptor ligand to examine the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) in humans by positron emission tomography (PET). A major drawback of this compound is its rather fast metabolic degradation in vivo. Therefore two new xanthine derivatives, namely 8-cyclobutyl-1-cyclopropymethyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)xanthine (CBCPM; 5) and 1-cyclopropylmethyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-8-(1-methylcyclobutyl)xanthine (CPMMCB; 6) were designed and synthesized as potential alternatives to CPFPX. In membrane binding studies both compounds showed nanomolar affinity for the A1AR. In vitro autoradiographic studies of [18F]5 and [18F]6, using rat brain slices, showed the expected accumulation in regions known to have a high adenosine A1 receptor expression while exhibiting the necessary low unspecific binding. However, in vitro metabolite studies using human liver microsomes revealed a comparable metabolic degradation rate for both new xanthine derivatives and CPFPX.