PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Donald Burns

Publications and source records attributed to H Donald Burns.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Human biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of the tachykinin NK1 antagonist radioligand [18F]SPA-RQ: comparison of thin-slice, bisected, and 2-dimensional planar image analysis.

UNLABELLED: (18)F-Labeled substance P antagonist-receptor quantifier ([(18)F]SPA-RQ) [2-fluoromethoxy-5-(5-trifluoromethyl-tetrazol-1-yl)-benzyl]-[(2S,3S)-2-phenyl-piperidin-3-yl)amine] is a selective radioligand for in vivo quantification of tachykinin NK(1) receptors with PET. The aims of this study were to estimate the radiation safety profile and relative risks of [(18)F]SPA-RQ with 3 different methods of image analysis. METHODS: Whole-body PET images were acquired in 7 healthy subjects after injection of 192 +/- 7 MBq (5.2 +/- 0.2 mCi) [(18)F]SPA-RQ. Emission images were serially acquired at multiple time-points from 0 to 120 min and approximately 180-240 min after injection. Urine samples were collected after each imaging session and for 24 h after the last scan to measure excreted radioactivity. Horizontal tomographic images were compressed to varying degrees in the anteroposterior direction to create 3 datasets: thin-slice, bisected, and 2-dimensional (2D) planar images. Regions of interest were drawn around visually identifiable source organs to generate time-activity curves for each dataset. Residence times were determined from these curves, and doses to individual organs and the body as a whole were calculated using OLINDA/EXM 1.0. RESULTS: The lungs, upper large intestine wall, small intestine, urinary bladder wall, kidneys, and thyroid had the highest radiation-absorbed doses. Biexponential fitting of mean bladder and urine activity showed that about 41% of injected activity was excreted via urine. Assuming a 2.4-h urine voiding interval, the calculated effective doses from thin-slice, bisected, and 2D planar images were 29.5, 29.3, and 32.3 microSv/MBq (109, 108, and 120 mrem/mCi), respectively. CONCLUSION: Insofar as effective dose is an accurate measure of radiation risk, all 3 methods of analysis provided quite similar estimates of risk to human subjects. The radiation dose was moderate and would potentially allow subjects to receive multiple PET scans in a single year. Individual organ exposures varied among the 3 methods, especially for structures asymmetrically located in an anterior or posterior position. Bisected and 2D planar images almost always provided higher organ dose estimates than thin-slice images. Thus, either the bisected or 2D planar method of analysis appears acceptable for quantifying human radiation burden, at least for radioligands with a relatively broad distribution in the body and not concentrated in a small number of radiation sensitive organs.

Fluorine Radioisotopes↗

Neuropeptide Y5 receptor antagonism does not induce clinically meaningful weight loss in overweight and obese adults.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a potent orexigenic neuropeptide, and antagonism of NPY Y1 and NPY Y5 receptors (NPYxR) is considered a potentially important anti-obesity drug target. We tested the hypothesis that blockade of the NPY5R will lead to weight loss in humans using MK-0557, a potent, highly selective, orally active NPY5R antagonist. The initial series of experiments reported herein, including a multiple-dose positron-emission tomography study and a 12 week proof-of concept/dose-ranging study, suggested an optimal MK-0557 dose of 1 mg/day. The hypothesis was then tested in a 52 week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 1661 overweight and obese patients. Although statistically significant at 52 weeks, the magnitude of induced weight loss was not clinically meaningful. These observations provide the first clinical insight into the human NPY-energy homeostatic pathway and suggest that solely targeting the NPY5R in future drug development programs is unlikely to produce therapeutic efficacy.

Administration, Oral↗

Synthesis, characterization, and first successful monkey imaging studies of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) PET radiotracers.

Three metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) PET tracers have been labeled with either carbon-11 or fluorine-18 and their in vitro and in vivo behavior in rhesus monkey has been characterized. Each of these tracers share the common features of high affinity for mGluR5 (0.08-0.23 nM vs. rat mGluR5) and moderate lipophilicity (log P 2.8-3.4). Compound 1b was synthesized using a Suzuki or Stille coupling reaction with [11C]MeI. Compounds 2b and 3b were synthesized by a SNAr reaction using a 3-chlorobenzonitrile precursor. Autoradiographic studies in rhesus monkey brain slices using 2b and 3b showed specific binding in cortex, caudate, putamen, amygdala, hippocampus, most thalamic nuclei, and lower binding in the cerebellum. PET imaging studies in monkey showed that all three tracers readily enter the brain and provide an mGluR5-specific signal in all gray matter regions, including the cerebellum. The specific signal observed in the cerebellum was confirmed by the autoradiographic studies and saturation binding experiments that showed tracer binding in the cerebellum of rhesus monkeys. In vitro metabolism studies using the unlabeled compounds showed that 1a, 2a, and 3a are metabolized slower by human liver microsomes than by monkey liver microsomes. In vivo metabolism studies showed 3b to be long-lived in rhesus plasma with only one other more polar metabolite observed.

Animals↗

Human positron emission tomography studies of brain neurokinin 1 receptor occupancy by aprepitant.

BACKGROUND: Aprepitant is a highly selective substance P (neurokinin 1 [NK(1)] receptor) antagonist that significantly improves the pharmacotherapy of acute and delayed highly emetogenic chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, probably through an action in the brain stem region of the central nervous system. Here, we report the use of positron emission tomography imaging with the NK(1) receptor binding-selective tracer [(18)F]SPA-RQC to determine the levels of central NK(1) receptor occupancy achieved by therapeutically relevant doses of aprepitant in healthy humans. METHODS: Two single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies in healthy subjects were performed. The first study evaluated the plasma concentration-occupancy relationships for aprepitant dosed orally at 10, 30, 100, or 300 mg, or placebo (n = 12). The second study similarly evaluated oral aprepitant 30 mg and placebo (n = 4). In each study, dosing was once daily for 14 consecutive days. Data from both studies were combined for analyses. The ratio of striatal/cerebellar [(18)F]SPA-RQ (high receptor density region/reference region lacking receptors) was used to calculate trough receptor occupancy 24 hours after the last dose of aprepitant. RESULTS: Brain NK(1) receptor occupancy increased after oral aprepitant dosing in both a plasma concentration-related (r =.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] =.94-1.00, p <.001) and a dose-related (r =.94; 95% CI =.86-1.00, p <.001) fashion. High (> or =90%) receptor occupancy was achieved at doses of 100 mg/day or greater. The plasma concentrations of aprepitant that achieved 50% and 90% occupancy were estimated as approximately 10 ng/mL and approximately 100 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Positron emission tomography imaging with [(18)F]SPA-RQ allows brain NK(1) receptor occupancy by aprepitant to be predicted from plasma drug concentrations and can be used to guide dose selection for clinical trials of NK(1) receptor antagonists in central therapeutic indications.

Adult↗

A cell-based radioligand binding assay for farnesyl: protein transferase inhibitors.

Farnesyl:protein transferase (FPTase) catalyzes the covalent addition of the isoprenyl moiety of farnesylpyrophosphate to the C-terminus of the Ras oncoprotein and other cellular proteins. Inhibitors of FPTase (FTIs) have been developed as potential anticancer agents, and several compounds have been evaluated in clinical trials. To facilitate the identification of cell-active FTIs with high potency, the authors developed a method that uses a radiolabeled FTI that serves as a ligand in competitive displacement assays. Using high-affinity [(3)H]-labeled or [(125)I]-labeled FTI radioligands, they show that specific binding to FPTase can be detected in intact cells. Binding of these labeled FTI radioligands can be competed with a variety of structurally diverse FTIs, and the authors show that inhibition of FTI radioligand binding correlates well with inhibition of FPTase substrate prenylation in cells. This method provides a rapid and quantitative means of assessing FTI potency in cells and is useful for guiding the discovery of potent, novel inhibitors of FPTase. Similar methods could be employed in the optimization of inhibitors for other intracellular drug targets.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

A remote-controlled high pressure reactor for radiotracer synthesis with [11C]carbon monoxide.

[11C]Carbon monoxide is a versatile building block for the synthesis of PET radiotracers. However, the difficulty of trapping [11C]CO in a small solvent volume has limited its utility. We wish to report the details of a simple, remotely operated High Pressure Reactor (HiPR) system for trapping and reacting practical quantities of [11C]CO. All parts used in the HiPR are commercially available, providing an inexpensive and easily assembled system. A number of compounds have been synthesized using the HiPR via palladium mediated reactions with [11C]CO, an aryl halide, and a nucleophile dissolved in dioxane. For example, AMPA receptor modulator [11C]CX546 was synthesized from its respective precursors in 37% isolated yield, uncorrected from trapped [11C]CO.

Carbon Monoxide↗

Screening cascade and development of potential Positron Emission Tomography radiotracers for mGluR5: in vitro and in vivo characterization.

PURPOSE: Use of mGluR5 receptor radiotracers to determine whether an in vitro binding assay is able to predict how good a radiotracer is likely to be in imaging receptor in the central nervous system (CNS) via positron emission tomography (PET). PROCEDURES: Saturation and equilibrium competition studies in rat and rhesus membranes were used to determine receptor concentrations and tracer affinities. In addition, specific binding of metabotropic receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) radioligands in rhesus and rat brain sections was determined using a "no-wash protocol," and the in vivo binding signal in rats was determined using micro-PET. RESULTS: Affinity values were determined for a series of mGluR5 antagonists (1-5) and ranged from 0.1 to 11 nM in rat. A previously reported "no-wash protocol" was then employed to determine specific binding in tissue sections following a 20-min incubation, and the regional distribution of these mGluR5 radiotracers determined in rat brain via autoradiography. The analogs 1b, 2b, 3b, and 4b, but not 5b, displayed good signal-to-noise ratios under these conditions with high density of binding in caudate, cortex, and hippocampus and lower density in cerebellum. With this information it was predicted that 1c, 2c, 3b, and 4b would display measurable signal-to-noise ratios in vivo, and that the larger in vitro signals for 3b and 4b would translate to 3b and 4b yielding the best in vivo signals. These predictions were investigated using micro-PET imaging in rat. Compound 1c showed a rapid wash-in and rapid wash-out profile in rat brain. Compound 2c showed similar signal-to-noise ratio as 1b, but slower washout. Compounds 3b and 4b showed the best signal-to-noise ratio in vivo, while 5b did not provide a significant signal, as predicted. In vivo occupancy estimates for 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) following intravenous administration were determined using radiolabeled compounds 1c, 2c, and 3b; they were essentially the same and were on the order of 1 mg kg(-1) (ID(50)). CONCLUSIONS: An in vitro screen of several mGluR5 tracers was used to rapidly predict whether radiolabeled mGluR5 analogs would be useful as PET radiotracers. Results provided an extension to previously reported data. Two of the four radiotracers with the best in vitro "no-wash" results also showed the best potential as measured noninvasively using micro-PET.

Animals↗

SNIDD special issue.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗

Synthesis and characterization of a potent, selective, radiolabeled substance-P antagonist for NK1 receptor quantitation: ([18F]SPA-RQ).

PURPOSE: To develop and characterize a radiolabelled Substance-P antagonist useful for quantitation of neurokinin-1 receptors in the brain via PET imaging. PROCEDURE: [18F]SPA-RQ (Substance-P antagonist - receptor quantifier) was synthesized in good yield and high specific activity by alkylation of a BOC protected phenolate anion using [18F]bromofluoromethane. Removal of the BOC protecting group with trifluoroacetic acid gave [18F]SPA-RQ. RESULTS: SPA-RQ has high affinity for human, rhesus monkey and guinea pig NK1 receptors (h-IC50=67 pM) and has a log P value of 1.8. Biodistribution studies in guinea pig showed that this tracer penetrates the blood-brain barrier and selectively labels NK1 receptors in the striatum and cortex. CONCLUSION: [18F]SPA-RQ is a potent, high affinity Substance-P antagonist that can be conveniently labeled with high specific activity using [18F]fluoromethylbromide. This tracer is a useful tool for noninvasive imaging of central NK1 receptors.

Animals↗

An in vitro assay for predicting successful imaging radiotracers.

PURPOSE: To develop an in vitro binding assay able to predict whether a radiolabel is likely to be a useful clinical tracer for positron emission tomography (PET). PROCEDURES: Rodent and rhesus brain sections were incubated with radioligands, most of which are tritiated or iodinated versions of known clinical PET radiotracers, and assayed for binding to brain receptors for a 20-minute period using a no-wash protocol (n=>/=3). RESULTS: Radiolabeled flumazenil (RO-151788), WAY100635, N-methylscopolamine, N-methylspiperone, raclopride, citalopram, (1-)2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-2-aminopropane (DOI), paroxetine, and 4-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-[N-(2"-pyridinyl)-p-flurobenzamido]ethyl]piperazine (MPPF) were assessed for binding to either rhesus caudate putamen, and/or frontal cortex, or rat whole brain sections. Specific binding for these compounds ranged from 0 to 94% by 20 minutes. Those with %-specific binding less than 10% have also been shown to not be effective as in vivo PET radiotracers. In addition, successful PET radiotracers incubated in tissue sections with target receptor either absent or present in low density behaved poorly in this assay, as expected, as did radiolabels previously shown to possess high non-specific binding. CONCLUSIONS: An in vitro binding assay using rodent and rhesus brain sections has been developed that, within the currently assayed radiotracers, is able to rapidly predict whether a radiolabeled compound is a useful clinical PET radiotracer. This method suggests significant potential for the rapid in vitro evaluation of potential in vivo PET radiotracers.

Animals↗

Image-derived input function for [11C]flumazenil kinetic analysis in human brain.

PURPOSE: We describe a method for analysis of [11C]flumazenil data using an input curve directly derived from the positron emission tomography (PET) images. PROCEDURE: The shape of the tracer plasma curve was obtained from the product of the intact flumazenil fraction in plasma in six arterial samples and the internal carotid artery time-activity curve (TAC). The resulting curve was calibrated using the [11C]flumazenil concentration in three of the six samples. The curve peak was recovered by adding an exponential function to the scaled curve whose parameters were estimated from simultaneous fittings of several tissue TACs assuming that all regions share the same input. RESULTS: Good agreement was found between the image-derived and the experimental plasma curves in six subjects. Distribution volumes were highly correlated with linear regression slope and intercept values between [0.94, 1.03] and [-0.10, 0.16], respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is suitable for benzodiazepine receptor quantification requiring only a few blood samples.

Brain↗