Drug distribution in dog brain studied by positron emission tomography.

We used positron emission tomography to monitor the distribution of radioactivity in dog brain and muscle following i.v. administration of 11C-labelled antipyrine, imipramine, and quinidine.

Fully automatic, microprocessor-controlled system for the production of 11CO2, 11CH3I and 11C-labeled radiopharmaceuticals.

An automated system for the production of 11C-labeled radiopharmaceuticals, using 11C-CH3I as a precursor, has been developed. The whole procedure, including irradiation, production of 11C-CH3I, synthesis of the labeled molecule and isolation of the final product is controlled by a microprocessor. Between 30 and 80 mCi of 5 different radiopharmaceuticals are produced routinely with this system.

The production in high yield of N'-(4-[11C]methyl)-imipramine.

A method for the routine production in high yield of N'-(4-[11C]methyl)-imipramine is presented. The label is incorporated by reaction of C-11 methyl iodide (11CH3I) upon desipramine in dimethylsulfoxide. Quaternization of the tertiary amine by 11CH3I is minimized by using an excess of desipramine.