The development of 99m tc-based imaging agents for studying aspects of the dopamine receptor system in the human brain

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Project objective

Research objectives and content The overall objective of this project is to develop a Tc-99m based radiopharmaceutical agent for selectively imaging particular dopamine receptor in the brain. The abnormal behaviour of this biological system is associated with a number of important me conditions and a means of measuring the in vivo impact of drugs on this system be great value in optimising the dose needed for effective treatment.The development of the imaging agent will be achieved by incorporating a chelat system capable of binding the Tc-99m radioisotope into a molecule known to bind the D2 receptor. The design of the overall molecule must be such that its metal must be able to cross the blood brain barrier, and the method of attachment of chelate system to the biological active portion of the molecule must be such that does not destroy its ability to bind to the receptor. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The proposed project will involve a wide range of chemistry and will provide go training in the design, synthesis and purification of polyfonctional compounds. Experience will be gained in the synthesis of polydentate chelate, use of coupling techniques and protecting groups. In addition, the need to liaise closely with International plc and the Nuclear Medicine team at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London in connection with labelling and biological testing will provide som ins into the way in which new radio pharmaceuticals are conceived and developed in and the important role that nuclear medicine now plays in diagnostic medicine. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) The radio pharmaceutical company Amersham International plc have agreed to participant in the radio-labelling and evaluation of the compounds produced during the course this project as possible radiopharmaceutical imaging agents. This company is al currently funding a postgraduate student in Dr. Griffiths' group working on a complementary project.

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Participants

• QUEEN MARY AND WESTFIELD COLLEGE - UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · LONDONCoordinatorUnited Kingdom

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