Iolopride

A detailed overview of the chemical compound Iolopride

Iolopride is a chemical compound that has been studied for its potential use in medical imaging, particularly in the context of positron emission tomography (PET) scans. It is a member of the class of compounds known as dopamine receptor antagonists, which are used to study the dopaminergic system in the brain.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Iolopride is a synthetic compound with the chemical formula C₁₆H₁₉IN₂O₃. It is characterized by the presence of an iodine atom, which is crucial for its function as a radioligand in imaging studies. The iodine atom allows for the labeling of the compound with radioactive isotopes, such as iodine-123 or iodine-125, which are used in nuclear medicine imaging techniques.

Mechanism of Action

Iolopride functions as a selective antagonist of the dopamine D2 receptor. By binding to these receptors, it can be used to visualize and quantify the distribution of dopamine receptors in the brain. This is particularly useful in the study of neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, where dopaminergic dysfunction is a key feature.

Applications in Medical Imaging

The primary application of Iolopride is in the field of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. When labeled with a radioactive isotope, Iolopride can be injected into the body, where it binds to dopamine D2 receptors. The emitted radiation from the isotope can then be detected by a PET scanner, providing a detailed image of receptor distribution and density.

Research Studies

Several studies have investigated the use of Iolopride in imaging the dopaminergic system. These studies have demonstrated its potential utility in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of diseases that affect dopamine receptor availability. For example, in Parkinson's disease, a reduction in dopamine receptor density can be visualized using Iolopride, aiding in the assessment of disease severity.

Safety and Efficacy

As with any radiolabeled compound, the use of Iolopride in humans requires careful consideration of safety and efficacy. The radiation dose must be minimized to reduce the risk of adverse effects, while still providing sufficient imaging quality. Clinical trials and studies are necessary to establish the optimal dosing and imaging protocols.

Also see

• Dopamine receptor antagonist
• Positron emission tomography
• Parkinson's disease
• Schizophrenia
• Nuclear medicine

Receptor Ligands
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Class	Not specified
Function	Not specified
Endogenous Ligands	None listed
Agonists	None listed
Antagonists	None listed
Partial Agonists	None listed
Inverse Agonists	None listed
Allosteric Modulators	None listed
Related Receptors	None listed