New neurotensin analogue radiolabeled by 99m-technetium as a potential agent for tumor identification

It has been shown that more than 75% of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas overexpressed neurotensin (NT) receptors. Overexpression of NT receptors has been reported in various human tumor types. Hence, a non-invasive diagnosis and staging method could be very beneficial. In this work, we describe radiolabeling and evaluation of new neurotensin analogues to target neurotensin receptor-positive tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. Radiolabeling was performed at 95°C for 10 min using ^99m Tc in the presence of tricine/EDDA exchange labeling. Radiochemical yield analysis involved ITLC and HPLC methods. A binding assay test was carried out in nine different concentrations of labeled neurotensin analogues in HT-29 cells. Radiopeptide-specific binding and internalization were studied in NT receptors expressing HT-29 cells. Biodistribution studies were performed in tumor-free BALB/c mice and HT-29 xenografted tumor-bearing nude mice. The peptide was efficiently labeled by ^99m Tc with high radiochemical yields (>98%). The radioconjugate was thoroughly stable in the solution and human serum even for 24 hr. The radiolabeled peptide showed high affinity (32.66 ± 4.01 nm) and specificity internalization (>%18 after 4 hr) to HT-29 cells. The radiopeptide efficiently showed tumor size and location in tumor-bearing nude mice. In biodistribution, a receptor-specific uptake of radiopeptide was observed in neurotensin receptor-positive organs such as intestine. Uptake in the tumor was 4.59 ± 0.23% ID/g after 2 hr. Owing to excellent stability, high affinity, rapid blood clearance, low accumulation in non-target organs, and high uptake in tumor, the ^99m Tc-HYNIC-peptide is a potential agent for targeting of NTR-overexpressing tumor cells in clinical surroundings. When successfully executed in the clinical surrounding, non-invasive imaging of NTR-positive tumors with ^99m Tc-labeled new neurotensin analogues could facilitate therapy procedure and monitoring.