Comparison of⁹⁹Tc^mcomplexes (NEP-DADT, ME-NEP-DADT and HMPAO) with¹²³IAMP for brain spect imaging in dogs

Several new lipophilic⁹⁹Tc^mcomplexes have recently been described as alternatives to N- isopropyl (I2:1I) iodoamphetamine (¹²³IAMP) for measurement of regional cerebral blood flow (RCBF). In this study we have compared brain uptake and blood clearance of⁹⁹Tc^mN-ethylpiperi- dine-diamino dithiol (⁹⁹Tc^m-NEP DADT), its 4-methylated derivative (⁹⁹Tc^m-Me-NEP-D ADT) and⁹⁹Tc^m-hexamethyl-propylene-amine-oxime (⁹⁹Tc^m-HMPAO) with that of¹²³IAMP in two dogs. Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) was employed to measure brain accumulation and retention of the four radiopharmaceuticals. Cerebral uptake of the⁹⁹Tc^mcomplexes (0.8—1.1%) was lower than that of¹²³IAMP (1.6% of the injected dose). There was considerable extracerebral activity in the dog's head, especially in the olfactory and snout regions. Because of slow blood clearance⁹⁹Tc^m-HMPAO showed high uptake in these regions. Brain uptake of⁹⁹Tc^m-HMPAO reached a plateau 5 to 10 min after intravenous injection and remained constant for the entire study period (1 h).⁹⁹Tc^m-NEP-DADT, on the other hand, showed significant clearance from the brain after reaching maximal uptake at 10 to 15 min after injection. However, brain imaging with these agents was possible during the first 20 min. The mechanism of brain uptake, as well as the relationship between brain uptake and RCBF need to be evaluated for each of the four radiopharmaceuticals.