RADIOIODINATED FATTY-ACIDS FOR MYOCARDIAL IMAGING - EFFECTS OF CHAIN-LENGTH

Abstract

Terminally iodinated long-chain fatty acids were used experimentally and clinically as myocardial imaging agents. Six .omega.-iodo fatty acids (l(CH2)nCO2H, where n = 10, 12, 15, 18, 21, 26) were synthesized and tested in rats. Myocardial extraction values and heart-to-blood ratios are affected by chain length. Extraction is highest for n = 18 and 21, as are heart-to-blood ratios at 5 min. The cellular fate of the fatty acid changes from that of .beta.-oxidation for n .ltoreq. 15 to predominantly triglyceride storage for n = 18 and 21, as shown by analysis of rat heart homogenates by TLC at 2 time intervals.