Novel gallium(III) complexes transported by MDR1 P-glycoprotein:: potential PET imaging agents for probing P-glycoprotein-mediated transport activity in vivo

Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by expression of MDR1 P-glycoprotein (Pgp) represents one of the best characterized barriers to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) agents for analysis of Pgp-mediated drug transport activity in vivo would enable noninvasive assessment of chemotherapeutic regimens and MDR gene therapy. Results: Candidate Schiff-base phenolic gallium(III) complexes were synthesized from their heptadentate precursors and gallium(III)acetylacetonate. Crystal structures demonstrated a hexacoordinated central gallium with overall trans-pseudo-octahedral geometry. Radiolabeled Ga-67-complexes were obtained in high purity and screened in drug-sensitive (Pgp(-)) and MDR (Pgp(+)) tumor cells. Compared with control, lead compound 6 demonstrated antagonist-reversible 55-fold lower accumulation in Pgp-expressing MDR cells. Furthermore, compared with wild-type control, quantitative pharmacokinetic analysis showed markedly increased penetration and retention of 6 in brain and liver tissues of mdr1a/b((-/-)) gene disrupted mice, correctly mapping Pgp-mediated transport activity at the capillary blood-brain barrier and hepatocellular biliary cannalicular surface in vivo. Conclusions: These results indicate that gallium(III) complex 6 is recognized by MDR1 Pgp as an avid transport substrate, thereby providing a useful scaffold to generate Ga-68 radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging of Pgp transport activity in tumors and tissues in vivo using PET.