Synthesis of Endogenous Compounds Labeled with 11C for Positron Emission Tomography

Among the beta(+) emitting isotopes, produced in medical cyclotrons, carbon-11 is promising radionuclide for labeling of biologically active compounds and tracking their distribution in living organism. Therefore aminoacids, carboxylic acids, fatty acids and amines have been widely used in assessing and staging of brain tumors (C-11-methionine), prostate cancer (C-11-choline, C-11-acetate) and neurological disorders (C-11-labeled neurotransmitters). This paper reviews recent achievements in synthesis of endogenous substances labeled with C-11 and presents our experience in C-11-methionine synthesis. Proposed protocol is a reliable tool for routine manufacturing in clinical applications and animal studies.