11C-meta-hydroxyephedrine

**11C-meta-hydroxyephedrine** is a radiolabeled catecholamine analog used as a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent for the sympathetic nervous system. Labeled with carbon-11, it enables visualization and quantification of presynaptic sympathetic nerve terminals, particularly in the heart. The compound acts as an analog of norepinephrine and is taken up by norepinephrine reuptake transporters (NET), providing a measure of neuronal integrity and function. It is resistant to metabolism by monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase, allowing for high retention in target tissues. Its primary clinical applications are in cardiac PET imaging to assess sympathetic innervation, but it has also been studied for use in evaluating tumors of the sympathetic nervous system and other conditions involving autonomic dysfunction[1][2][4][5].

Other names

N-methyl-metaraminolmeta-hydroxyephedrine