[99mTc]tricine: a useful precursor complex for the radiolabeling of hydrazinonicotinate protein conjugates.

The stannous reduction of [99mTc]pertechnetate in the presence of tricine results in the formation of the new labeling precursor complex [[99m-Tc]tricine. This complex has improved efficacy for the 99mTc labeling of hydrazinonicotinate-modified IgG compared to [99mTc]glucoheptonate. FAB mass spectral analysis of the product formed by the reaction of [TcOCl4](-1) with tricine indicates the formation of [TcO(tricine x 2H)2](-1).