Synthesis and evaluation of novel mri contrast agents of chemically modified GD-DTPA complexes with sugars

MRI is one of medical diagnostic imaging technologies that can draw the cross section in the body. To obtain a clearer image, Gd complexes are often used as MRI contrast agents. Gd-DTPA (Gd-Diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, Magnevist registered trademark ) is used in particular as the MRI contrast agents. We prepared and evaluated novel MRI contrast agents that were chemically modified Gd-DTPA with sugars (represented as Gd-DTPA-Sugar) via hydrolysis route for providing specificity to target organs and tissues. Gd-DTPASugar complex showed an excellent potential for the MRI contrast agent (r1=31.2 s-1mM-1). Gd-DTPA-Sugar complexes alternatively prepared by shorter synthetic route without protection/ deprotection (hydrolysis) method showed inferior results (r1=6.3 and 8.1 s-1mM-1) to the hydlized product.