Abstract:
This invention relates to methods of x-ray diagnostic imaging the blood pool, liver, spleen and/or lymph system of a mammal comprising administering a contrast effective amount of a contrast agent having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: R is alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aryl having from 6 to 11 carbon atoms, or R 1  CO 2  R 2  and 
     R 1  and R 2  are independently alkyl containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. 
     This invention further relates to novel contrast agents having the above structure wherein both Rs are alkyl to x-ray contrast compositions comprising such agents, and to method of x-ray diagnostic imaging utilizing such agents.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to methods of x-ray diagnostic imaging the blood pool, liver, spleen and/or lymph system of a mammal employing particulate compounds as a contrast agent, and to certain novel compounds useful as contrast agents in x-ray contrast compositions and methods of diagnostic imaging. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     X-ray imaging is a well known and extremely valuable tool for the early detection and diagnosis of various disease states in the human body. The use of contrast agents for image enhancement in medical x-ray imaging procedures is widespread. An excellent background on iodinated and other contrast agents for medical imaging is provided by D. P. Swanson, et al, Pharmaceuticals in Medical Imaging, 1990, MacMillan Publishing Company. 
     Great Britain Patent No. 889339 describes an x-ray contrast composition comprising an iodinated benzoic acid derivative and a non-toxic carrier. The compounds collect in the gall bladder. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,097,228 describes derivatives of 2,4,6-triiodobenzoyloxyalkanoic acids having the structure ##STR2## wherein R 1  is H or lower alkyl; R 2  is H or lower alkanoyl; R 3  is H or lower alkanoylamino and R 4  is lower alkyl. The agents are useful as x-ray contrast agents for visualizing the gall bladder (cholecystography) when administered orally, in the free acid form or in the form of a non-toxic salt, or intravenously, in the form of a water soluble, non-toxic salt. Example 15 therein describes ethyl 2-(3,5-diacetamido-2,4,6 -triiodobenzoyloxy)hexanoate, i.e., ##STR3## 
     Bacon et al, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/990,897 filed December 16, 1992 describes iodinated aroyloxy esters which are useful as contrast agents in x-ray imaging compositions and methods. However, all of the compounds described by Bacon et al feature an ester group linked through a C 2  or higher alkylene group to another ester group on an iodinated aromatic ring. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,128,301 by Larsen et al describes x-ray contrast agents having the structure: ##STR4## which contains a carboxylic ester group. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,6 79 by Bacon et al describes x-ray contrast agents which are nanoparticulates having the structure: ##STR5## 
     EP-A-498,482 describes nanoparticulate x-ray contrast compositions which have proven to be extremely useful in medical imaging. The compositions comprise particles of an organic x-ray contrast agent and a surface modifier adsorbed on the surface thereof and have an effective average particle size of less than 400 nm. The agents can be delivered to a specific tissue or fluid site, e.g., the blood pool, liver, spleen, kidney or lymph nodes. Example 8, therein describes a formulation comprising ethyl 2-(3,5-bis(acetylamino)-2,4,6-triiodobenzoyloxy)butyrate, i.e., ##STR6## wherein (Z)--COO is the residue of diatrizoic acid. 
     However, it has been discovered that ethyl 2-(3,5-bis(acetylamino)-2,4,6-triiodobenzoyloxy)butyrate exhibits multiple crystal forms, i.e., polymorphs, e.g., when recrystallized from various solvents. The reasons that this behavior are not completely understood but, in any event, multiple crystal forms are disadvantageous for a variety of reasons. For example, the presence of multiple crystal forms renders scale up problematic due to the lack of reproducibility of the results obtained, including, e.g., in chemical manufacturing and in the milling process. Additionally, it has been found the nanoparticulate formulations of ethyl 2-(3,5-bis(acetylamino)-2,4,6-triiodobenzoyloxy)butyrate do not exhibit good stability during autoclaving, i.e., conventional heat sterilization. 
     Consequently, it would be highly desirable to provide a poorly soluble x-ray contrast agent having the advantages of ethyl 2-(3,5-bis(acetylamino)-2,4,6-triiodobenzoyloxy)butyrate but which exhibits a consistent and reproducible crystal morphology, optimum hydrolysis, solubility and a high melting point is amenable to reproducible scale up and can be successfully heat sterilized by autoclaving to produce a stable and less toxic material. 
     It would be very useful to provide a contrast agent that hydrolyzes faster and results in faster systemic clearance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     I have discovered that certain compounds exhibit reproducibly consistent crystal morphology during manufacture and purification, optimum hydrolysis, solubility and a high melting point and thus are particularly amenable to reproduce as particulate contrast agents for use in methods of x-ray diagnostic imaging the blood pool, liver, spleen and lymphatic system of a mammal. In a composition of matter aspect, I have discovered and synthesized novel compounds which are useful as contrast agents in x-ray diagnostic imaging compositions and methods. 
     More specifically, in accordance with this invention, there is provided a method of medical x-ray diagnostic imaging which comprises administering to the blood pool, liver, spleen or lymph system of a mammal a contrast-effective amount of a particulate contrast agent (nanoparticulate iodipamide derivative) having structure 1: ##STR7## wherein: R is alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aryl having from 6 to 11 carbon atoms, or R 1  CO 2  R 2  and 
     R 1  and R 2  are independently alkyl containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. 
     In another aspect, there are provided novel compounds having structure 1 above wherein both Rs are alkyl. This invention further provides an x-ray contrast composition comprising such novel compounds and a method for medical x-ray diagnostic imaging which comprises administering to a mammal an effective contrast-producing amount of the above-described x-ray contrast composition. 
     It is an advantageous feature of this invention that methods of x-ray diagnostic imaging the blood pool, liver, spleen and lymphatic system are provided employing an x-ray contrast composition featuring a compound which exhibits a consistent crystal morphology during purification and thus is particularly amenable to reproducible scale up and has optimum hydrolysis, solubility and a high melting point. 
     It is another advantageous feature of this invention that x-ray contrast compositions are provided for blood pool, liver, spleen and lymphatic system imaging which exhibit improved visualization. 
     It is a particularly advantageous feature of this invention that the contrast agent hydrolyzes quickly and results in fast systemic clearance from the body. 
     Still another advantageous feature of this invention is that novel compounds are provided which find particular utility as particulate x-ray contrast agents. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In structure 1 above, R is independently alkyl, aryl or R 1  CO 2  R 2 . 
     The alkyl groups of R can be either branched or straight chained and preferably contain from 1 to 20 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, dodecyl and the like. 
     The aryl groups of R preferably contain from 6 to 11 carbon atoms. Examples of aryl groups useful in the present invention are phenyl and the like. 
     R 1  and R 2  are independently alkyl preferably containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Again, the alkyl groups can be straight chained or branched. Examples of useful alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, decyl and dodecyl. 
    
    
     The following compounds set forth in Table I are specific illustrative examples of preferred compounds in accordance with this invention that have been prepared. These compounds conform to structure 1 above. 
     
                       TABLE I______________________________________Compounds    R             Name______________________________________WIN 69948    (CH.sub.2).sub.3 COOC.sub.2 H.sub.5                  3,3&#39;[(1,6-dioxo-1,6-                  dihexanediyl)bisimino]                  bis [[(2,4,6-                  triiodophenyl)carbonyl]-                  oxy] butanoic acid                  ethyl esterWIN 69944     ##STR8##     3,3&#39;-[(1,6-dioxo-1,6- dihexanediyl)bisimino]                  bis[[(2,4,6- triiodophenyl)carbonyl]- oxy]                  pentanoic acid ethyl esterWIN 69974     ##STR9##     3,3&#39;-[(1,6-dioxo-1,6- dihexanediyl)bisimino]                  bis[[(2,4,6- triiodophenyl)carbonyl]- oxy] acetic                  acid ethyl esterWIN 69979     ##STR10##    3,3&#39;-[(1,6-dioxo-1,6- dihexanediyl)bisimino]                  bis[[(2,4,6- triiodophenyl)carbonyl]- oxy]                  hexanoic acid ethyl esterWIN 70165     ##STR11##    3,3&#39;-[(1,6-dioxo-1,6- dihexanediyl)bisimino]                  bis[[(2,4,6- triiodophenyl)carbonyl]-  oxy]-α                  -ethyl-acetic acid ethyl esterWIN 70287     ##STR12##    3,3&#39;-[(1,6-dioxo-1,6- dihexanediyl)bisimino]                  bis[[(2,4,6- triiodophenyl)carbonyl]- oxy]-α-                  pentyl-acetic acid ethyl ester______________________________________ 
    
     The compounds of this invention can be prepared by contacting iodipamide in dry DMF with an ethyl bromoacetate and sodium hydride and heating for from 2 to 10 hours at 60° to 85° C. 
     For convenience, the reaction can take place at an ambient pressure, although higher and lower pressures are contemplated. 
     The reaction can take place in any suitable solvent. Suitable solvents include, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). 
     The iodinated compounds can contain substituents which do not deleteriously affect the contrast-enhancing capability of the compound. For example, the alkyl and aryl groups in structure I above can be unsubstituted or substituted with various substituents which do not adversely affect the stability or efficacy of the compounds as x-ray contrast agents such as alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, acyloxy, halogen, such as chlorine, bromine and iodine, acylamino, carboalkoxy, carbamyl and the like. 
     When used as an x-ray contrast agent, the compound of this invention preferably comprises at least about 30%, more preferably at least 35%, and most preferably at least 40% iodine by weight. 
     In preferred embodiments, the compounds of this invention can be formulated into particulate x-ray contrast compositions, preferably nanoparticulate x-ray contrast compositions, as described in commonly-owned EP-a 498,482. Preferred compounds exhibit a melting point of greater than 150° C. Such nanoparticulate compositions can be prepared by dispersing the compounds of the invention in a liquid dispersion medium, and wet grinding the compound in the presence of rigid grinding media and a surface modifier to form the nanoparticles. Alternatively, the surface modifier can be contacted with the compound after attrition. Preferred surface modifiers include nonionic surfactants. 
     In preferred embodiments, the surface modifier is a high molecular weight nonionic surfactant. Preferred surfactants include poloxamers such as Pluronic™ F68 and F108, which are block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, poloxamines, such as Tetronic™ 908 (also known as Poloxamine 908), which is a tetrafunctional block copolymer derived from sequential addition of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to ethylenediamine, and dialkyl esters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, such as dioctylsulfosuccinate sodium (DOSS). The concentrations of the surface modifier can vary from about 0.1-75%, preferably 1-60%, and more preferably 5-25% by weight based on the total combined weight of the contrast agent and surface modifier. 
     In preferred embodiments, the x-ray contrast composition in the form of surface modified nanoparticles can be associated with a cloud point modifier to further enhance stability during steam heat autoclaving, i.e., the cloud point modifier can reduce particle aggregation during heat sterilization. Preferred cloud point modifiers include nonionic cloud point modifiers, such as polyethylene glycols such as PEG 400, propylene glycol, ethanol, hydroxypropylcyclodextrin and glycerol; ionic cloud point modifiers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,262 including dialkylesters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid such as the dioctylester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid (DOSS); and charged phospholipids, such as diacylphosphatidyl glycerol and dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol. The cloud point modifier can be present in an amount of 0.005-50%, preferably 0.01-30% and more preferably 0.05-20% by weight based on the total weight of the x-ray contrast composition. 
     The x-ray contrast compositions of this invention comprise the above-described compounds, preferably in the form of particles, and a physiologically acceptable carrier therefor. For example, the particles can be dispersed in an aqueous liquid which serves as the carrier for the x-ray contrast agent. Other suitable carriers include liquid carriers such as mixed aqueous and nonaqueous solvents, such as alcohol; gels; gases, such as air; and powders. 
     The x-ray contrast composition can comprise from about 1-99.9, preferably 2-45 and more preferably 10-30% by weight of the above-described particles, the remainder of the composition being the carrier, additives and the like. Compositions up to about 100% by weight of the particles are contemplated when the composition is in a lyophilized form. 
     The dose of the contrast agent to be administered can be selected according to techniques known to those skilled in the art such that a sufficient contrast enhancing effect is obtained. Typical doses can range from 20 to 450 mg of iodine per kilogram of body weight of the subject for many imaging applications. For some applications, e.g., lymphography, lower doses, e.g., 0.5-20 mg I/kg, can be effective. For blood pool imaging, the dose can range from 50 to 450 mg of iodine per kilogram of body weight and preferably from 100 to 250 mg of iodine per kilogram of body weight. For liver and spleen imaging, the dose can range from 1 to 20 mg/kg. 
     The x-ray contrast composition can contain one or more conventional additives used to control and/or enhance the properties of the x-ray contrast agent. For example, thickening agents such as dextran or human serum albumin, buffers, viscosity regulating agents, suspending agents, peptizing agents, anti-clotting agents, mixing agents, and other drugs and the like can be added. A partial listing of certain specific additives includes gums, sugars such as dextran, human serum albumin, gelatin, sodium alginate, agar, dextrin, pectin and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Such additives, surface active agents, preservatives and the like can be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. 
     A method for diagnostic imaging for use in medical procedures in accordance with this invention comprises administering to the body of a test subject in need of an x-ray an effective contrast producing amount of the above-described x-ray contrast composition. In addition to human patients, the test subject can include mammalian species such as rabbits, dogs, cats, monkeys, sheep, pigs, horses, bovine animals and the like. Thereafter, at least a portion of the body containing the administered contrast agent is exposed to x-rays to produce an x-ray image pattern corresponding to the presence of the contrast agent. The image pattern can then be visualized. For example, any x-ray visualization technique, preferably, a high contrast technique such as computed tomography, can be applied in a convention manner. Alternatively, the image pattern can be observed directly on an x-ray sensitive phosphor screen-silver halide photographic film combination. 
     The compositions of this invention can be administered by a variety of routes depending on the type of procedure and the anatomical orientation of this tissue being examined. Suitable administration routes include intravascular (arterial or venous) administration by catheter, intravenous injection, rectal administration, subcutaneous administration, intrathecal administration, intracisternal administration, oral administration, administration via inhalation, administration directly into a body cavity, e.g., arthrography, and the like. 
     In addition to preferred application, i.e., for blood pool, liver, spleen and lymph node imaging, the x-ray contract compositions of this invention are also expected to be useful as contrast agents for any organ or body cavity. For example, the compositions of this invention are expected to be useful as angiographic contrast media, urographic contrast media, myelographic contrast media, gastrointestinal contrast media, cholecystographic and cholangiographic contrast media, arthrographic contrast media, hysterosalpingographic contrast media, oral contrast media and bronchographic contrast media. 
     The following examples further illustrate the invention. 
     Example 1--Preparation of WIN 69974 
     0.5 g (24 g/mol) of sodium hydride was mixed with 10 ml of dry dimethylformamide (DMF) and a solution of 10 g (1139.77 g/mol) iodipamide in 50 ml of dry DMF was added. The mixture was stirred and mixed with 4.4 g (167.01 g/mol) ethylbromoacetate. This mixture was heated for 4 hours at 75° C. and cooled to 40° C. The mixture was poured into 600 ml of water and stirred at pH of 4.0. It was filtered to white solids, dried in a high vacuum oven overnight at a temperature of 80° C. and the yield was 7,6 g. The melting point of the compounds was found to be 168° C. to 170° C. The compound had a molecular weight of 1311.95. 
     Example 2--Preparation of WIN 70165 
     0.46 g (24 g/mol) of sodium hydride in 10 ml dry DMF was mixed with 10 g of iodipamide (1139.77 g/mol) in 40 ml of dry DMF. 3.8 g (195.1 g/mol) ethyl-2-bromobutyrate was stirred in slowly. The mixture was heated for 4 hours at 75° C. and cooled to 40° C. The mixture was then poured into 600 ml water and stirred at a pH of 4.0. It was filtered and dried in a high vacuum oven overnight at a temperature of 80° C. The yield was 10.5 g, melting point was 106° C. to 109° C. and the molecular weight was 1368.1. 
     Example 3--Preparation of WIN 70287 
     0.46 g (24 g/mol) of sodium hydride in 10 ml dry DMF was mixed with a solution of 10 g (1139.77 g/mol) iodipamide in 50 ml dry DMF. 4.6 g (237.14 g/mol) of ethyl-2-bromoheptanoate was stirred in slowly. The mixture was heated for 4 hours at 75° C. and cooled to 40° C. The mixture was poured into 600 ml water and stirred at a pH of 4.0. The filtered solids were dried in a high vacuum oven overnight at a temperature of 80° C. The yield was 10.8 g. The melting point was 130° C. to 132° C. and the molecular weight was 1452. 
     Example 4--Preparation of Nanoparticulate Compound 1 Contrast Agent with Pluronic F68, Pluronic F108, or Tetronic T-908 
     WIN 69974 is added to each of 3×1.5 oz brown glass bottles containing approximately 12 ml of zirconium silicate (1.1 mm dia.) beads in an amount sufficient to be 15% (w/v) of the final suspension. Bottle A contains 3% (w/v) Pluronic F-6 8. Bottle B contains 3% (w/v) Pluronic F108. Bottle C contains 3% (w/v) Tetronic T-908. The resulting suspensions are milled on a roller mill at approximately 150 rpm for a total of 9 days. 
     Example 5--Preparation of Nanoparticulate WIN 69974 Contrast Agent with Pluronic F108 and Blood Pool Imaging 
     15% WIN 69974 can be milled with 4% Pluronic F-108 in the present of zirconium silicate (1.1 mm dia) beads for 3 days under aseptic conditions. No additional salts or surfactants are added. 
     This sample is examined for imaging efficacy. The sample is injected into white New Zealand rabbits at a dose of 3 ml/kg as a slow bolus injection. At times of 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. post injection, the opacification of the liver, spleen, and blood pool as measured in the aorta and within the left ventricle is determined by computed tomography (CT) using a Toshiba 900S Imager CT scanner and associated software. Results from this analysis are expected to show that this formulation of Compound 1 has excellent blood pool opacification in excess of 30 min. followed by very good liver and very good spleen opacification for 120 min. Imaging at 24 hours post injection should show complete clearance from the blood with partial clearance from the liver and spleen. 
     Example 6--Preparation of an Autoclavable Formulation of Nanoparticulate WIN 69974 Contrast Agent with Pluronic F108 and PEG 400 and Lymphography Imaging 
     WIN 69974 is milled with zirconium silicate (1.1 mm dia) beads in the presence of Pluronic F-108 for 3 days. The final particle size is determined. At this point, sterile PEG 400 is added to the suspension such that at completion, the formulation contains 15% (w/v) WIN 70146 , 3% (w/v) Pluronic F-108, and 10% (w/v) PEG 400. This formulation is then autoclaved under standard conditions, i.e., 121° C. for 20 min. 
     This formulation is evaluated for both blood pool and lymphographic imaging in New Zealand White Rabbits using the above-described protocol (3 ml/kg) for blood pool imaging and 2 injections (0.25 ml) per paw for lymphography. The results should indicate that WIN 69974 is capable of blood pool opacification to at least 30 min. and is an excellent lymphography agent affording the highest level of opacification noted to date in this indication. Scanning is carried out using a Toshiba 900S Imager CT scanner and image density is calculated from iodinated standards imaged simultaneously with the animals. 
     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.