IN-VIVO CHELATION OF AM(III), PU(IV), NP(V) AND U(VI) IN MICE BY TREN-(ME-3,2-HOPO)

Octadentate 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO), composed of the acidic hydroxypyridine isomer, 1,2-HOPO, is the most effective ligand yet prepared for in vi vo chelation of Pu(IV), and Am(III), but it is difficult to prepare an d acutely toxic at high dosage. Hexadentate TREN-(Me-3,2-HOPO), compos ed of the less acidic Me-3,2-HOPO isomer, can be produced in relativel y large quantities. Tren-(Me-3,2-HOPO) (30 mumol.kg-1 injected intrape ritoneally in mice 3 min to 1 h after intravenous injection of an acti nide) removed significant body Pu(IV), Am(III), Np(V), or U(VI) (compa red with controls), and those actinide reductions were significantly g reater than were obtained with CaNa3-DTPA. TREN-(Me-3,2-HOPO) was almo st as effective for reducing body Pu(IV) as 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO). TREN-( Me-3,2-HOPO) is of low acute toxicity in mice and its clinical potenti al, as a practical compromise between the effectiveness of 3,4,3-LI(1, 2-HOPO) and the safety of CaNa3-DTPA, merits further investigation.