Tc-99m(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 tha t are based on substituent analogs of 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, ont o 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(met hyl methoxyisobutyl phosphino)ethane, (3) FURPE, 1,2-bis(methyl tetrahydrof uran phosphino)ethane, and (4) PYRPE, 1,2-bis(methyl tetrahydropyran phosph ino)ethane. These ligands have been reacted with Tc-99m and the resulting c omplexes evaluated for myocardial imaging properties. Tc-99m(MMPE): exhibit ed the most favorable myocardial imaging characteristics in animal models. Results indicate that pendent ether moieties can improve the myocardial ima ging properties of cationic technetium complexes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.