Synthesis and biological evaluation of 68Ga labeled bis-DOTA-3,3'-(benzylidene)-bis-(1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide) as a PET tracer for in vivo visualization of necrosis.

The aim of the present study was to develop a (68)Ga labeled bis-DOTA derivative of benzylidene-bis-indole and compare the in vivo stability and biodistribution with that of the previously reported bis-DTPA derivate for in vivo imaging of necrosis using PET. Uptake of the tracer was evaluated in a mouse model of Fas-mediated hepatic apoptosis in correlation with histochemical stainings. The novel (68)Ga labeled tracer showed an improved in vivo stability and could therefore be used for selective non-invasive imaging of necrotic cell death using PET.