Ioflupane

Ioflupane (IUPAC name: methyl (1R,2S,3S,5S)-8-(3-fluoropropyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate) is a radiopharmaceutical compound used in nuclear medicine for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. It is a tropane derivative that acts as a radiotracer, specifically a dopamine transporter (DAT) ligand, which is used in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Ioflupane is a tropane derivative, which is a bicyclic structure consisting of a six-membered cyclohexane ring fused to a five-membered pyrrolidine ring. The ioflupane molecule has a fluorine atom and an iodine atom attached to its structure, which are essential for its function as a radiotracer.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Ioflupane binds to the dopamine transporter (DAT) in the brain. The DAT is a protein that regulates the reuptake of dopamine from the synapse back into the neuron. By binding to the DAT, ioflupane inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, thereby increasing its availability in the synapse. This mechanism of action is used to visualize the distribution of DAT in the brain using SPECT imaging.

Clinical use[edit | edit source]

Ioflupane is used in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. It is administered intravenously and its distribution in the brain is visualized using SPECT imaging. The presence of DAT in the striatum, a region of the brain affected in Parkinson's disease, can be assessed using this method. A reduced uptake of ioflupane indicates a loss of dopaminergic neurons, which is a characteristic feature of Parkinson's disease.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Ioflupane is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Rarely, hypersensitivity reactions may occur.