Dynamic behaviour of selected PET tracers in embryonated chicken eggs.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Preclinical research
• In vivo imaging

Background:

• Positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) is vital for preclinical research and clinical cancer diagnosis.
• It integrates functional biomarker data with anatomical CT imaging for 4D in vivo biological process investigation.
• Chicken embryos are emerging as a valuable in vivo model system for biological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the suitability of additional PET/CT tracers in chicken embryos.
• To evaluate various positron-emitting compounds for in vivo applications in this model.
• To assess the properties of novel tracers in catheterized chicken eggs.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of (18)F-, (68)Ga-labelled tracers, and (64)Cu-chloride in chicken embryos using small animal microPET/CT.
• Synthesis of tracers not commercially available.
• Monitoring tracer uptake and distribution in catheterized eggs.

Main Results:

• 2-Deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoroglucose ([(18)F]FDG) showed primary absorption at bone growth sites.
• (64)Cu chloride and a (68)Ga-labelled amyloid-fibril-binding antibody accumulated in the liver.
• A (68)Ga-albumin desferrioxamine conjugate signal decreased in the liver over time.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated biomarkers demonstrate potential for monitoring biological processes in chicken embryos.
• Chicken embryos serve as a viable in vivo model for PET/CT tracer development and evaluation.
• Further research can leverage these tracers for advanced in vivo studies in avian models.