Synthesis and biological evaluation of two novel DAT-binding technetium complexes containing a piperidine based analogue of cocaine

Two new technetium complexes containing a piperidine template have been synthesized and evaluated as possible leads for the development of dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging agents. Binding data for the corresponding rhenium complexes containing either a monoaminomonoamide (MAMAʹ) or a diaminodithiol (DADT) chelating unit exhibited significant affinity for the DAT. Initial biodistribution studies in rats revealed only a low brain uptake.