Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and amyloid probes thereof that allow for an antemortem method of diagnosing AD and quantitating the extent or progression of amyloid deposits (plaques) by in vivo imaging of amyloid and/or amyloid deposits in the regions of the brain. Preferably, an amyloid probe of the invention can cross the blood-brain barrier and distinguish AD brain from normal brain. An amyloid probe can be administered to a patient in amounts suitable for in vivo imaging of amyloid deposits. Amyloid probes of the invention can also be used to detect and quantitate amyloid deposits in diseases including, without limitation, Down's syndrome, familial AD and homozygotes for the apolipoprotein E4 allele. In one aspect, the compounds may be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases that include, without limitation, AD and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Iodinated neuroprobes for mapping monoamine reuptake sites in the brain, and particularly iodinated neuroprobes that can also serve as radiotracers for use in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) for imaging of such reuptake sites, are disclosed. Precursors of radiolabeled iodinated neuroprobes, both with and without a radiotracer atom, and kits for preparing the radiolabeled iodinated neuroprobes are also disclosed.

Abstract: An iodinated neuroprobe is provided for mapping monoamine reuptake sites. The iodinated neuroprobe is of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R= ##STR2## wherein n=2-8; R'=C.sub.w H.sub.2w+1 wherein w=0-6 and C includes an isotope of carbon; andX=an isotope of Cl, an isotope of Br, an isotope of F, an isotope of I, or Sn(R".sub.1 R".sub.2 R".sub.3), whereinR".sub.1 =a C.sub.p H.sub.2p+1 group where p=1-6, or an aryl group;R".sub.2 =a C.sub.p H.sub.2p+1 group where p=1-6, or an aryl group; andR".sub.3 =a C.sub.p H.sub.2p+1 group where p=1-6, or an aryl group.Additionally, a precursor of a radiolabeled neuroprobe and a kit for preparing the iodinated neuroprobe are provided.

Abstract: Neuroprobes that include rhenium, manganese, and technetium for use in mapping monoamine reuptake sites are disclosed. Non-radioactive tricarbonylrheniumcyclopentadienyl (TRCp) or non-radioactive tricarbonylmanganesecyclopentadienyl (TMCp) phenyltropane analogs are synthesized for use as testing surrogates for radioactive technetium congeners. Ferrocenyl analogs of phenyltropane are disclosed as useful precursors for the preparation of novel tricarbonyltechnetiumcyclopentadienyl (TTCp) phenyltropane analogs in radioactive form.