Synthesis, characterization and biodistribution of a new technetium-99m complex with trimethylsilylmethylisonitrile. Comparison with 99mTc-TBI and 99mTc-MIBI.

An isonitrile ligand with a silicium component was synthesized and a copper salt of this ligand was then used to form a 99mTc complex. We evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of the complex and its biodistribution in rat. The chemical properties, i.e. lipophilic affinity and charge, were comparable to those of other 99mTc complexes formed with similar isonitrile compounds (99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-TBI). In contrast, the tissue biodistribution of this new technetium complex differed markedly, as it was mainly taken up in the liver and not at all in the heart.