Abstract:
Para-iodobenzyltrimethylammonium iodide is useful as an intermediate in the manufacture of the corresponding compounds wherein the para-iodo atom is enriched with an .sup.123 iodine, .sup.125 iodine or .sup.131 iodine isotope. These radio-iodinated derivatives are valuable adrenal scanning agents in consequence of their propensity to localize in the adrenal gland. Moreover, their ability to bind to catecholamine storage sites accounts for their ability to localize in tissue having a large supply of adrenergic nerves such as spleen and sympathetic ganglia. When injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, they concentrate in the choroid plexus and in adrenergic innervated tissues such as the substantia nigra.