The invention provides a composition of matter of the formula (I): V-L-R where
V is an organic group having binding affinity for an angiotensin II receptor site,
L is a linker moiety or a bond, and R is a moiety detectable in in vivo imaging
of a human or animal body, with the provisos that where V is angiotensin or a peptidic
angiotensin derivative or analog then V-L-R is other than a non-metal radionuclide
substituted peptide (e.g. 125I substituted angiotensin II) and L-V is
other than simply a peptide with a chelating agent amide bonded to a side chain
thereof. This composition of matter may be used to image cardiovascular diseases
and disorders.
