18F-labeled benzamides for studying the dopamine D2 receptor with positron emission tomography

Two series of (N-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)- and (9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan- 3 beta-yl)benzamides were prepared, and in vitro binding assays were used to measure the affinity of these compounds for dopamine D2, dopamine D3, serotonin 5-HT2, and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. The results of these studies indicated compounds 23, 26b, and 34 have the selectivity needed for in vivo studies of the D2 (and possibly D3) receptors. 18F-Labeled analogues of 23, 26b and 34 were prepared by N-alkylation of the corresponding desbenzyl precursors with [18F]-4-fluorobenzyl iodide. Preliminary in vivo studies demonstrated that [18F]-23 and [18F]-26b are suitable candidates for further evaluation in positron emission tomography imaging studies. The slow rate of washout of [18F]-34 from nondopaminergic regions and its comparatively high lipophilicity indicates that this compound may not be suitable for imaging studies because of a high level of nonspecific binding.