[Re-186/188] rhenium-ethylene dicysteine (Re-Ec): Preparation and evaluation for possible use in endovascular brachytherapy

(ReO4-)-Re-188, Re-188-MAG(3), and Re-188-DTPA are currently under investig ation as radiation sources in liquid-filled balloons for prevention of rest enosis following coronary angioplasty. Because Tc-99m-labeled ethylene dicy steine (EC) is a well-established agent for renal tubular function imaging, the use of [Re-188] rhenium-labeled EC as a potential agent for prevention of restenosis after angioplasty is worth evaluation. In this article, the preparation and pharmacological behavior of [Re-188/186]Re complex of EC ar e reported. The yield of the Re complex was optimized by varying the parame ters of complexation. The complex prepared under the optimized conditions w as found to be stable over a period of 7 days when stored at pH 2 and at 4 degrees C. The pharmacological behavior of [Re-188/186]Re-EC confirms its s imilarity to Re-188,MAG, and its superiority over (ReO4-)-Re-188 for use in endovascular brachytherapy. NUCL MED BIOL 27;2:189-197, 2000. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Inc. All rights reserved.