Synthesis of a radioiodinated antiestrogen glucuronide compound (TAM-G)

Tamoxifen [TAM; ([Z]-2-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-1-di-butenyl)-phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylethanamine) has been used as an antiestrogen drug for treatment and prevention of human breast cancer. The aim of this study is conjugation of hydrophilic glucuronic acid to the starting substance TAM and labeling with I-131 using iodogen as oxidizing agent. The reactions are completed in three steps, including enzymatic reaction, with the following sub-steps; preparation of microsomal fraction from rat liver and subsequent purification of UDP-glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT), estimation of protein amount in microsomal samples and glucuronidation reaction. Synthesized glucuronide derivative (TAM-G) was purified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mass spectroscopy of cold standard showed that the labeling most probably occurs in ortho position to the aromatic ring containing the ether group of TAM-G as expected. Radiochemical yield of the I-131 labeled TAM-G ([I-131]TAM-G) is determined by using Thin Layer Radio Chromatography (TLRC). The radiopharmaceutical potential of [I-131]TAM-G is examined by biodistribution studies that is run on normal female Albino Wistar rats. According to biodistribution results I-131 labeled TAM-G may be proposed as a new antiestrogen glucuronide imaging agent for breast and uterus.