99mTc(L-L)3+ complexes containing ether analogs of DMPE

Novel Tc-99m(L-L)(3)(+) complexes have been investigated for potential use in myocardial perfusion imaging. Bidentate chelators have been prepared that are based on substituent analogs of 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, onto which alkyl ether groups have been incorporated. The new ligands are: (1) MMPE, 1,2-bis(methyl methoxyethyl phosphino)ethane, (2) MIBPE, 1,2-bis(methyl methoxyisobutyl phosphino)ethane, (3) FURPE, 1,2-bis(methyl tetrahydrofuran phosphino)ethane, and (4) PYRPE, 1,2-bis(methyl tetrahydropyran phosphino)ethane. These ligands have been reacted with Tc-99m and the resulting complexes evaluated for myocardial imaging properties. Tc-99m(MMPE): exhibited the most favorable myocardial imaging characteristics in animal models. Results indicate that pendent ether moieties can improve the myocardial imaging properties of cationic technetium complexes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.