A new series of Tc-99m-labeled hepatobiliary tracers: N'-acyl- and N'-sulfonyl ethylenediamine-N,N-diacetic acids.

Various Tc-99m-labeled N'-substituted derivatives of ethylenediamine-N,N-diacetic acid (EDDA) are evaluated as hepatobiliary imaging agents. N-substituted aromatic acyl and aromatic sulfonyl derivatives of EDDA, labeled with Tc-99m, were administered to rabbits and golden hamsters, and the distribution indicated clearance by the hepatobiliary system. N'-aromatic sulfonyl EDDAs were labeled with Tc-99m by the SnCl2 method with more than 99% yield. Clearance of Tc-99m-p-toluenesulfonyl EDDA from the blood and the liver was as rapid as that of TC-99m N-(2,6-diethylphenylcarbamoylmethyl)iminodiacetic acid (Tc-99m benzenesulfonyl EDDA lowered urinary excretion. It is concluded that the sulfonyl EDDAs provide a fruitful source for Tc-99m-labeled hepatobiliary radiopharmaceuticals.