We compared two
melanoma-specific radioiodine labeled compounds
4-(3-dimethylaminopropylamino)-7-iodoquinoline (I) and L-3-iodo-alpha-methyltyrosine (IV) using three hamster groups. Two groups consisted of hamsters with subcutaneous or subscleral melanotic
melanoma, and the third had healthy animals as controls. For the chosen
tumor model and in comparison with the
quinoline derivative (I), the
tyrosine derivative (IV) proved to have some better properties as a
melanoma-specific radio-pharmaceutical. This result holds for the first 24 h after administration, thus recommending (IV) for the 123I label. While in that time period (I) did not sufficiently accumulate in the
melanoma to compete with the high background activities, especially in the abdominal organs, (IV) had its highest
tumor concentration 1 h after administration. The derivative (IV) cleared more slowly from the
tumor tissue than from the other organs thus increasing the
tumor-to-organ ratio. There was no obvious difference in the biodistribution of (I) and (IV) in relation to the site of the
melanoma growth, i.e. eyes and skin. Generally, all three groups of hamsters exhibited similar accumulation and clearance characteristics for each radiopharmaceutical. In contrast to (I), which took part in the formation of the
biopolymer melanin, (IV) acted as a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme
tyrosine hydroxylase. The affinity to the
tyrosine hydroxylase and not the function as a
melanin precursor lead to an accumulation of (IV) in the
melanoma tissue.