Rel-Calcium 2,2'-(7-(carboxymethyl)-10-((2R,3S)-1,3,4-trihydroxybutan-2-yl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4-diyl)diacetate is a calcium complex used as a contrast agent in medical imaging, specifically in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is a member of the family of gadolinium-based contrast agents, but it contains calcium in place of gadolinium. The molecule incorporates a tetraazacyclododecane structure, which is a cyclic ligand that can strongly bind to metal ions, providing stability to the complex.
The discovery of this complex stems from the ongoing effort to develop safer, more effective contrast agents for MRI. The use of metal complexes in imaging agents is rooted in their ability to interact with the magnetic field during imaging procedures, thus enhancing the visibility of tissues and organs. Calcium-based complexes, such as the one mentioned, offer an alternative to traditional gadolinium-based agents, with the goal of reducing potential toxicity concerns related to gadolinium exposure.
Rel-Calcium 2,2'-(7-(carboxymethyl)-10-((2R,3S)-1,3,4-trihydroxybutan-2-yl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4-diyl)diacetate has been investigated for its potential applications in MRI, particularly in imaging soft tissues and organs that are difficult to assess using traditional contrast agents. Its calcium core provides distinct chemical properties that can be useful in certain imaging protocols, especially in assessing calcium-rich tissues such as bones or in evaluating the presence of calcium in various biological systems.
In clinical practice, such calcium-based agents are beneficial in reducing the risks associated with gadolinium exposure in patients with impaired renal function, as gadolinium agents have been associated with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in certain individuals. The unique structural features of this complex, including the carboxymethyl and trihydroxybutan-2-yl groups, contribute to the compound's stability and its potential to be used safely in human diagnostic procedures.
In summary, the development of Rel-Calcium 2,2'-(7-(carboxymethyl)-10-((2R,3S)-1,3,4-trihydroxybutan-2-yl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4-diyl)diacetate marks an important step forward in the ongoing search for safer and more effective MRI contrast agents. The use of calcium as the central metal ion in this complex provides a potentially safer alternative to gadolinium-based agents, with applications in imaging procedures that are crucial for detecting and diagnosing a range of medical conditions.
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