99mTc-labelled monodisperse latex particles coated with amino or carboxyl groups for studies of GI function

Latex particles coated with either amino or carboxyl groups were labelled with 99mTc. Two labelling methods were used: (1) direct labelling with tin reduction and (2) ligand exchange with tin pyrophosphate. Labelling efficiency and the radiochemical impurities were determined by thin-layer chromatography. Effect of [Sn2+] and pH on labelling yield was investigated to find the optimum labelling conditions. 99mTc-labelled latexes were administered orally to six normal subjects, and scintigrams from the abdomen were obtained at 1, 3, 6, and 24 h. Whole-body scintigrams were also taken by a gamma-camera. The first method was found to be efficient for carboxyl coated latexes and the second method for both types, giving > 98 per cent labelling efficiency. Labelled latexes were stable up to 24 h of testing at RT (> 99 per cent labelled). Scintigraphic studies showed that the labelled particles remained in GIT (98.11 +/- 0.92 per cent at 6 h) without dissociation of the label. No radioactivity was observed in the thyroid, stomach (at late images) and urinary bladder. This study demonstrated that latex particles coated with either amino or carboxyl groups can be efficiently labelled with 99mTc and used in the studies of GI function.