In this study, 6-methyl-2'-deoxyuridine, an artificial nucleoside, was labeled with C-11 in the methyl position. Tissue distribution of 6-methyl[C-11]-2'-deoxyuridine was investigated in normal Wistar rats and compared to the behavior of the natural nucleoside [methyl-C-11]thymidine. High renal clearance, up to at least 20% of the injected activity, was noticed during the 20 min period following injection. Tissue distribution as determined by dynamic PET studies of both C-11-labeled nucleosides was significantly different for most of the organs. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.