Biolocalization and cell labeling properties of neutral-lipophilic 99mTc-amine-phenol chelates

99mTc-diamine-diphenol chelates are neutral lipophilic chelates exhibiting good stability in aqueous solutions. The cell labeling and biolocalization properties of four different 99mTc-amine-phenol complexes were determined. All four chelates readily labeled leukocytes and RCBs in high yields. Even though 99mTc was retained by the cells, the elution rate of 99mTc from the labeled cells in plasma at 37 degrees C was unacceptably high for potential utility in scintigraphic imaging. The uptake of 99mTc in brain or heart following i.v. injection of the chelates in rats was low and clearance of activity from the blood was slow.