Overview of transition metal and lanthanide complexes as diagnostic tools

This review presents an overview of various elements used in the preparatio n of imaging contrast agents. After a brief introduction to the history of the development of labelling agents, a review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radio labelled imaging (RI) agents is presented. On the one hand , transition metals were investigated, allowing more special attention to m anganese, iron and technetium. Classification of the metal chelates is done taking into account the chemical structure of the compounds. information o n stability, lipophilicity and toxicity of the chelates is given. On the ot her hand, lanthanide complexes, especially Gadolinium chelates, were invest igated, taking into account the chemical structure, the stability, the lipo philicity and the toxicity of the compounds. The various techniques for lab elling were analysed and information presented about peptides, antibody and cell labelling. Finally, the authors carry out a brief review of the imagi ng contrast agents used in the study of several organ systems, i.e. vascula r structures, liver, spine and brain, heart, kidneys, skeleton, lungs and a bdominal diseases. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.