Synthesis and evaluation of photoreactive probes to elucidate iodide efflux in thyrocytes.

Four photoreactive analogues of 3-biphenyl-4'-yl-5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole were prepared and evaluated as iodide sequestering agents in sodium iodide symporter-expressing cells. One of these new photoactivatable compounds retained biological activity and was further radiolabeled with tritium. This compound may provide a useful tool for labeling, purification, and identification of target protein responsible for iodide efflux in thyrocytes.