Amide conjugates of the DO3A‐N‐(α‐amino)propionate ligand: leads for stable, high relaxivity contrast agents for MRI?. (29th October 2012) - Ferreira, Miguel F.
Abstract A novel synthetic methodology for preparing amide conjugates of the DO3A‐N‐(α‐amino)propionate chelator is described, using the synthesis of the DO3A‐N‐(α‐benzoylamido)propionate chelator as an illustrative example. The model Gd[DO3A‐N‐(α‐benzoylamido)propionate] chelate displays accelerated water exchange, stability in a wide pH range and inertness towards transmetallation by Zn2+. The Gd[DO3A‐N‐(α‐benzoylamido)propionate] complex is mainly excreted via the kidneys, producing a significant increase in the kidney medulla/cortex enhancement ratio in MR images of Wistar rats, reflecting probably its higher lipophilicity compared with Gd(DTPA). The results presented suggest that Gd[DO3A‐N‐(α‐amido)propionate] chelates can be valuable leads for preparing potentially safe high relaxivity MRI contrast agents. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.