iobenguane

A synthetic, aralkylguanidine analogue of the adrenergic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) and adrenergic neuron blocking agent with potential diagnostic imaging or antineoplastic activity when radiolabeled. Iobenguane, also known as metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), is taken up and accumulates in the granules of adrenal medullary chromaffin cells and in the pre-synaptic granules of adrenergic neurons in a manner almost identical with that of NE. In radiolabeled forms, iobenguane may be used to image or eradicate neuroendocrine tissues and tumor cells.