DEVELOPMENT OF STEP-SPECIFIC PET TRACERS FOR STUDYING FATTY-ACID BETA-OXIDATION - BIODISTRIBUTION OF [1-C-11] OCTANOATE ANALOGS IN RATS ANDA CAT

To evaluate the potential of [1-C-11]-3-(R,S)-methyloctanoate (BMOA), [1-C-11]-2-octynoate, and [1-C-11]-2-decynoate as PET tracers for stud ying particular steps in fatty acid beta-oxidation, we examined the ph armacokinetics of these compounds in rats and a cat. In rats given the se compounds, high levels of radioactivity accumulated in the heart, l iver, and kidneys, suggesting their potential as tracers for studying beta-oxidation in these tissues. These organs were clearly visible wit h PET in a cat given BMOA, indicating the utility of BMOA for imaging these organs. NUCL MED BIOL 25;6:543-548, 1998. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scie nce Inc.