Synthesis and characterization of novel phenylindoles as potential probes for imaging of β-amyloid plaques in the brain

We synthesized a novel series of phenylindole (PI) derivatives and evaluated their biological activities as probes for imaging A beta plaques in vivo. The affinity for A beta plaques was assessed by an in vitro-binding assay using pre-formed synthetic A beta aggregates. 2-Phenyl-1H-indole (2-PI) derivatives showed high affinity for A beta 42 aggregates with K-i values ranging from 4 to 32 nM. 2-PI derivatives clearly stained A beta plaques in an animal model of AD. In biodistribution experiments using normal mice, 2-PI derivatives displayed sufficient uptake for imaging, ranging from 1.1% to 2.6% ID/g. Although additional modifications are necessary to improve uptake by and clearance from the brain, 2-PI derivatives may be useful as a backbone structure to develop novel Ab imaging agents. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.