Gadolinium Gd(III) complexes with derivatives of nitriloacetic acid: synthesis and biological properties

Combinations of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) derivatives with technetium 99mTc are known as convenient contrasting compounds used in nuclear medicine. Because of low resolution of this method, as well as necessity for using radioactive substances we have suggested new combinations of NTA aromatic derivatives with Gd(III). The aim of the undertaken study was to obtain contrasting compounds showing high affinity to liver cells enabling performance of high-resolution imaging of this organ applying the MRI. For presented complex compounds an efficient synthesis method was developed, and in vivo biodistribution tests were performed. The obtained derivatives showed strong affinity to hepatocytes, simultaneously showing differentiation depending on substituents located within the aromatic ring.