Technetium-99m haemaccel: a new lymphoscintigraphic agent.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Radiopharmacology
• Biomedical imaging

Background:

• Haemaccel, a denatured gelatin polymer, is a plasma expander.
• Radiolabeling offers potential for tracking biological processes.
• Lymphoscintigraphy requires effective tracers for lymphatic system visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Tc-99m labeled Haemaccel as a potential radiotracer for lymphoscintigraphy.
• To assess the biodistribution and imaging characteristics of Tc-99m Haemaccel in animal models.

Main Methods:

• Haemaccel was labeled with Technetium-99m (Tc-99m), achieving labeling efficiency >85%.
• Tc-99m Haemaccel was administered intradermally to rats and rabbits.
• Gamma camera imaging was performed at various time points post-injection.

Main Results:

• Tc-99m Haemaccel demonstrated good localization in regional lymph nodes in rats.
• In rats, 3% of the injected dose localized in lymph nodes, with 48% remaining at the injection site at 4 hours.
• In rabbits, lymphatic channels and lymph nodes were visualized within 15 minutes, showing fast migration and good accumulation.

Conclusions:

• Tc-99m Haemaccel exhibits favorable characteristics for lymphoscintigraphy, including fast migration and good lymph node accumulation.
• The tracer allows for effective visualization of lymphatic channels.
• Further investigation is warranted for its clinical application in lymphoscintigraphy.