Radiolabeling of the antibody IgG M75 for epitope of human carbonic anhydrase IX by 61Cu and 64Cu and its biological testing.

Human carbonic anhydrase IX is a membrane enzyme that is significantly expressed in some types of cancer cells, while copper radioisotopes offer wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic and theranostic properties. The work was focused on a new approach to the labelling of antibody IgG M75 for epitope human carbonic anhydrase IX with copper radioisotopes 61Cu and 64Cu and its in vivo testing in mice with inoculated colorectal cancer. Monoclonal antibody IgG M75 for epitope human carbonic anhydrase IX was successfully conjugated with copper-specific chelator "phosphinate" and labelled with 61Cu and 64Cu The obtained molecule has considerable potential as a radioimmuno pharmaceutical suitable for imaging of tumours expressing carbonic anhydrase IX by positron emission tomography (PET).

In vitro evaluation of the monoclonal antibody 64Cu-IgG M75 against human carbonic anhydrase IX and its in vivo imaging.

Specific oncology diagnostics requires new types of the selective radiopharmaceuticals, particularly those suitable for the molecular PET imaging. The aim of this work is to present a new, specific PET-immunodiagnostic radiopharmaceutical based on the monoclonal antibody IgG M75 targeting human carbonic anhydrase IX labelled with 64Cu (T½ = 12.70h) and its in vitro and in vivo evaluation. The antibody IgG M75 was conjugated with a non-commercial copper-specific chelator "phosphinate" and then labelled with the positron emitter 64Cu. Stability of the labelled conjugated was tested in human serum. The immunoreactivity of the labelled conjugate was evaluated in vitro on a suitable cell cultures of the colorectal carcinoma (HT-29) and its imaging properties were estimated in vivo on a mouse model with inoculated colorectal carcinoma HT-29 imaged on a µPET/CT. The tested radioimmunoconjugate was obtained in a specific activity of 0.25-0.5 MBq/µg. In vitro uptake experiments revealed specific binding to the HT-29 cells (45 ± 2.8% of the total added activity) and the measured KD value was found to be 9.2nM. Imaging clearly demonstrated significant uptake of the labelled monoclonal antibody in the tumour at 18h post administration. The radioimmunoconjugate 64Cu-PS-IgG M75 seems to be a suitable candidate for PET diagnostics of hypoxic tumours expressing human carbonic anhydrase IX.

Electrospinning of diosmin from aqueous solutions for improved dissolution and oral absorption.

A nanofibrous membrane carrier for nearly water insoluble drug diosmin was formulated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug release and dissolution properties in an aqueous buffer of pH 7.8, and to compare the suitability of the drug carrier with the available drug forms and screen diosmin absorption extent. The membranes were produced from HPC/PVA/PEO-drug water solutions and then evaluated by SEM and DSC measurements. The results showed that diosmin was incorporated within the nanofibers in an amorphous state, and/or as a solid dispersion. The results of in vitro release experiments excerpt a very fast release of the drug, followed by the formation of an over saturated solution and partial precipitation of the drug (a "spring" effect). The enormous increases in dissolution of the drug from a nanofibrous carrier, compared to a micronized and crystalline form, was achieved. The in vivo bioavailability study carried out on rats showed higher initial drug plasma levels and higher AUC values after administration of the nanofibrous drug formulation, compared to the micronized form. The results of the study demonstrated that the improvement of the diosmin in vitro dissolution also brought the enhanced in vivo absorption extent of the drug.

The effect of chelator type on in vitro receptor binding and stability in 177Lu-labeled cetuximab and panitumumab.

Monoclonal antibodies are used in the therapy of various diseases. Thanks to their high specific uptake in target tissues, these antibodies can be utilized in targeted radioimmunotherapy as carriers of radioisotopes to tumors. However, important characteristics of antibodies such as target binding and stability in the organism may be affected by various structural parameters. This study has focused on the potential influence of selected chelators on radiochemical quality and in vitro receptor binding capacity in two modified monoclonal antibodies-cetuximab and panitumumab, both ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These two antibodies were each coupled with three macrocyclic chelators (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid, and 3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]-pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene-4-(S)-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-3,6,9-triacetic acid) and labeled with lutetium-177. The stability of the preparations was checked, and the cell binding to EGFR-expressing cell lines was examined. The used method led to very stable radiolabeled preparations. The results showed that binding to the target cells was not affected by the type of chelator. All three chelators may be useful for the labeling of cetuximab and panitumumab with lutetium-177 in future preclinical or clinical studies. Our study revealed previously unpublished fact that the type of chelator selected does not affect binding of EGFR-targeted antibodies labeled with lutetium-177.

Preclinical evaluation of gastrin derivatives labelled with 111In: radiolabelling, affinity profile and pharmacokinetics in rats.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystokinin receptor subtype 2 (CCK-2) is overexpressed in various tumours like medullary thyroid carcinomas and small cell lung cancer. Radiolabelled peptides that bind with high affinity and specificity to CCK-2 receptors, thus hold great potential for visualizing such tumours. METHODS: We compared four 111In labelled gastrin analogues, called minigastrins (MG), namely MG11, MG45, MG47 and MG48 linked to metal chelating DOTA in preclinical experiments. The radiolabelled peptides were tested for peptide binding in CCK-2 receptor-bearing cell line AR42J and for their pharmacokinetics in normal rats. RESULTS: The experiments suggest that all gastrin analogues had similar and relatively rapid internalization into AR42J cells. Binding to CCK-2 receptors in AR42J cells was saturable for all agents but there were some differences in receptor affinity. This biodistribution study in rats showed a rapid decrease in blood radioactivity, predominantly renal clearance and saturable uptake of the radiopharmaceutical and/or its metabolites in the CCK-2 receptor-positive stomach. Higher kidney accumulation of radioactivity was only found for 111In-DOTA-minigastrin 48. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the 111In-DOTA-minigastrin analogues studied are promising candidates for the scintigraphy of CCK-2 receptor-expressing tumours; 111In-DOTA-MG47 and 111In-DOTA-MG11 are the most promising.

Preclinical evaluation of radiolabelled nimotuzumab, a promising monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor.

BACKGROUND: Radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies with affinity towards tumour-associated antigens may enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment with targeted radiotherapy. The humanized antibody nimotuzumab represents a promising vector to deliver radioactivity to tumours overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor type 1 (ErbB1). We analysed the effect of radiolabelling nimotuzumab on its uptake in cancer cells and its biodistribution profile in preclinical experiments. METHODS: Nimotuzumab was labelled with (131) I by oxidative iodination and with (177) Lu using nimotuzumab conjugates with two different chelators (DTPA and DOTA) and two different spacers (p-SCN-Bn and NHS). For the receptor studies, two cell lines (HaCaT and A431) were used. Biodistribution studies were performed in male Wistar rats. RESULTS: The choice of radiolabel and the manner of its attachment to nimotuzumab had little effect on the internalization of the antibody into ErbB1-expressing cell lines. However, the type of radiolabel, the way in which it was attached to nimotuzumab and the radiolabelling procedure, significantly affected the blood clearance, liver uptake and liver persistence of radiolabelled nimotuzumab. (131) I-nimotuzumab had the longest elimination half-life and the lowest radioactivity uptake in the liver. (177) Lu-labelled nimotuzumab exhibited a shorter elimination half-life, high radioactivity and long-term retention in the liver.

2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]quinoline derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors-synthesis, radiolabeling and biodistribution.

In the present study we describe the synthesis and biological assessment of new tacrine analogs in the course of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The obtained molecules were synthesized in a condensation reaction between activated 6-BOC-hydrazinopyridine-3-carboxylic acid and 8-aminoalkyl derivatives of 2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]quinoline. Activities of the newly synthesized compounds were estimated by means of Ellman's method. Compound 6h (IC(50) = 3.65 nM) was found to be most active. All obtained novel compounds present comparable activity to that of tacrine towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and, simultaneously, lower activity towards butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Apart from 6a, all synthesized compounds are characterized by a higher affinity for AChE and a lower affinity for BChE in comparison with tacrine. Among all obtained molecules, compound 6h presented the highest selectivity towards inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Molecular modeling showed that all compounds demonstrated a similar binding mode with AChE and interacted with catalytic and peripheral sites of AChE. Also, a biodistribution study of compound 6a radiolabeled with (99m)Tc was performed.

Preclinical pharmacokinetics of radiolabelled hyaluronan.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronan (HYA) is a high molecular weight glucosaminoglycan with a great perspective for medical applications. Because HYA is widespread in the body, it is difficult to determine the fate of exogenously administered HYA. METHODS: In this study, HYAof different molecular weights (0.1-1 MDa) was labelled with (99m)Tc, and the distribution profiles were determined after administrating the HYA to rats. RESULTS: After the intravenous administration of (99m)Tc-HYA, a rapid decrease in the radioactivity of blood samples was observed, presumably because of (99m)Tc-HYA uptake by the liver; only minimal signs of liver radioactivity washout were detected. After the oral administration of (99m)Tc-HYA, no significant absorption to the central compartment was found. A preliminary study using (14)C-HYA exhibited a different distribution profile than (99m)Tc-HYA because of the different administered dose and the fate of the degradation products. Even with (14)C-HYA, only traces of radioactivity were absorbed after oral administration. CONCLUSION: This paper provides quantitative information regarding the distribution parameters of radiolabelled HYA in preclinical experiments.

A comparison of in vitro methods for determining the membrane receptor expression in cell lines.

INTRODUCTION: Determining the number of expressed receptors per cell (NRPC) in cell lines is an important prerequisite for many experimental procedures in biomedical research. This paper focuses on the comparison of a newly developed method of determining NRPC - the Kinetic extrapolation method (KEX) - with the standard saturation method. These two methods, both based on radiolabeled ligand-receptor binding, were compared with the data on receptor expression found using quantified western blotting. METHODS: Four cell lines with different expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were chosen for the experiment: A431, HaCaT, HCT116 and HepG2. Two radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies specific for EGFR were used as ligands: [(131)I]-cetuximab and [(131)I]-panitumumab. The classic manual technique based on the saturation of cell receptors was performed on cells seeded in 24-well plates. The KEX method uses the LigandTracer, a special instrument which detects ligand retention in real time from seeded cells onto a rotating Petri dish. The western blot analysis was performed according to the routinely used procedure. RESULTS: A very close accordance between the manual saturation technique and the KEX method was found in all four cell lines used. The NRPC in the cell lines follows the same order using both ligands: A431>HaCaT>HCT116≈HepG2. Similarly, consistent data on EGFR expression in the studied cell lines were obtained using western blot analysis and the radiolabeled ligand binding assays. CONCLUSIONS: The KEX method could be as similarly useful for determining receptor expression as is the classic saturation method and western blotting.

Receptor affinity and preclinical biodistribution of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between affinity to somatostatin receptor subtype2 (SSTR(2)) and uptake of radioactivity from a group of radiolabeled somatostatin analogues in somatostatin receptor-rich tissues of rats. Organs with a high density of somatostin receptors (namely the adrenals and pancreas bearing mainly SSTR(2); this receptor subtype is also the most abundant in somatostatin receptor-positive tumors) were chosen as markers of specific binding of the peptides in vivo. Accumulations of radioactivity in these organs 24 h and 48 h after intravenous administration of six (111)In-labeled octreotide and octreotate derivatives with predominant affinity to SSTR(2) were correlated with affinity to SSTR(2) determined in vitro (IC(50) values). For correlation between adrenal uptake of radioactivity and IC(50), the best fit for exponential dependence was found; for that of pancreas, however, linear dependence was the most suitable. In cases where the values for the peptide with affinity to SSTR subtypes 2, 3 and 5, namely (111)In-DOTA-Nal(3)-octreotide were included in the group of studied agents, substantially less correlations were obtained. Our results showed that uptake of radioactivity in tissues with a high density of somatostatin receptors correlates with somatostatin receptor affinity of receptor-specific peptides; however, other factors (the affinity to particular receptor subtypes, the overall pharmacokinetic profile in the body etc.) may contribute to this observed relationship.

Different radioactivity uptake between somatostatin analogues labelled with ¹¹¹In and 9°/88Y in rat kidney.

UNLABELLED: Somatostatin receptor targeting is a valuable method to treat somatostatin receptor-positive tumours. In peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, it is essential to determine the highest activity that can be safely administered to the patient. As (90)Y emits no gamma rays, absorbed doses for (90)Y are usually estimated using the same peptide labelled with (111)In. The aim of the study was to determine if replacement of (90/88)Y by (111)In affects the biodistribution profile of five selected somatostatin analogues in preclinical experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiolabelled peptides were administered intravenously to male Wistar rats. RESULTS: The peptides under study labelled either with (111)In or with (88/90)Y showed similar distribution profiles in all tissues excepting the kidney. The kidney radioactivity uptake was significantly lower for (88/90)Y-labeled peptide in comparison with the one of (111)In. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a radiation-absorbed dose after (90)Y-labelled somatostatin analogues appears to be lower than that predicted by the (111)In-labelled peptide.

Distribution, elimination, and renal handling of (99m)technetium-Demogastrin 1.

Radiolabeled cholecystokinin/gastrin (CCK) receptor-targeting peptides are promising compounds for radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy of certain malignancies. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile of a CCK-2 receptor-specific peptide, Demogastrin 1, labeled with technetium-99m ((99m)Tc-Demogastrin 1), in rats. To investigate the fate of (99m)Tc-Demogastrin 1 in the rat, biodistribution and elimination studies in vivo were performed, and elimination parameters in perfused rat liver and kidney were determined. Biodistribution studies showed that (99m)Tc-Demogastrin 1 was rapidly cleared from the blood and most organs. A significant amount of radioactivity was detected in the CCK-2 receptor-rich organs, such as the stomach. Low radioactivity was found in the CCK-1 receptor-rich organs. Radioactivity in bowels and stomach declined relatively slowly. High and long-term retention of radioactivity in the kidneys was observed. Elimination of (99m)Tc-Demogastrin 1 via the bile was negligible. A high and rapid renal excretion was observed in elimination experiments in vivo. In the perfused kidney, glomerular filtration was found to be the main renal excretion mechanism of (99m)Tc-Demogastrin 1. Demogastrin 1 was distributed preferentially to the organs expressing CCK-2 receptors. The decisive elimination route of (99m)Tc-Demogastrin 1 in rats was urinary excretion. A high and prolonged renal retention may limit potential clinical use of the compound.

Preclinical evaluation of wound treatment with hyaluronan-iodine hydrogel.

UNLABELLED: A mixture of hyaluronan and iodine complex KI3 (Hyiodine®) has been developed to support wound healing. In this study, the effect of hyaluronan, KI3, and their combination on progression of wound healing in excision skin wounds in rats was determined. METHODS: To evaluate the possible toxic effects of iodine after Hyiodine application for wound healing, iodine systemic absorption from the Hyiodine-treat- ed wounds and its distribution profile were quantitatively described and compared after intravenous iodide administration using 131I as a radiolabel. RESULTS: Treatment of rats with Hyiodine resulted in an enhancement of wound healing, proved by greater degrees of wound contraction and reduction in mean wound healing time compared to other treated rats on hours 1, 2, 24, and 216. Even if wound therapy with Hyiodine resulted in systemic iodine uptake, the estimated iodine absorbed dose in human therapy is tolerable, and the theoretical risk of its systemic toxic effects is minimal. CONCLUSION: A hyaluronan-iodine hydrogel has a great potential for effective treatment of wounds. .

Protein interactions with HER-family receptors can have different characteristics depending on the hosting cell line.

Cell lines are common model systems in the development of therapeutic proteins and in the research on cellular functions and dysfunctions. In this field, the protein interaction assay is a frequently used tool for assessing the adequacy of a protein for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In this study, we investigated the extent to which the interaction characteristics depend on the choice of cell line for HER-family receptors. The interaction characteristics of two therapeutic antibodies (trastuzumab and cetuximab) and one Affibody molecule (ZHER2:342), interacting with the intended receptor were characterized with high precision using an automated real-time interaction method, in different cell lines (HaCaT, A431, HEP-G2, SKOV3, PC3, DU-145). Clear differences in binding affinity and kinetics, up to one order of magnitude, were found for the interaction of the same protein binding to the same receptor on different cells for all three proteins. For HER-family receptors, it is therefore important to refer to the measured affinity for a protein-receptor interaction together with the hosting cell line. The ability to accurately measure affinity and kinetics of a protein-receptor interaction on cell lines of different origins may increase the understanding of underlying receptor biology, and impact the selection of candidates in the development of therapeutic or diagnostic agents.

Radiolabeling of PAMAM dendrimers conjugated to a pyridine-N-oxide DOTA analog with ¹¹¹In: Optimization of reaction conditions and biodistribution.

Polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAMs) of generations 1 (G1) and 4 (G4) were conjugated with a bifunctional pyridine-N-oxide DOTA analog, 10-[(4-carboxy-1-oxidopyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (H(4)do3a-py(NO-C)), through the pyridine-4-carboxylic acid group, and the conjugates were radiolabeled with indium-111. Reaction conditions for the radiolabelling were optimized. Both radiolabeled conjugates, G1-[(111)In(do3a-py(NO-C))] and G4-[(111)In(do3a-py(NO-C))], were kinetically stable for at least 48h after preparation; in the presence of competitive ligands, the radiochemical purity of the conjugates slightly decreased (4-7%) over the same time period. The preclinical pharmacokinetics of both agents were evaluated. Biodistribution and elimination in rats were more favorable for the G1-[(111)In(do3a-py(NO-C))] conjugate than G4-[(111)In(do3a-py(NO-C))] conjugate. However, the G1-[(111)In(do3a-py(NO-C))] conjugate was rapidly eliminated from the body, mainly through urine, while, significant and long-term radioactivity uptake in the liver and kidney was observed for the G4-[(111)In(do3a-py(NO-C))] conjugate.

Preclinical evaluation of (177)lu-nimotuzumab: a potential tool for radioimmunotherapy of epidermal growth factor receptor-overexpressing tumors.

BACKGROUND: The humanized monoclonal antibody Nimotuzumab (h-R3) has demonstrated an exceptional and better clinical profile than other monoclonal antibodies for immunotherapy of epidermal growth factor receptor-overexpressing tumors. This work deals with the preparation and radiolabeling optimization of (177)Lu-Nimotuzumab and their preclinical evaluation. METHODS: Nimotuzumab was conjugated with S-2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid (p-SCN-Bn-DOTA), testing different molar ratios. The immunoconjugates were characterized. The radiolabeling with (177)Lu was optimized. Radioimmunoconjugates stability was tested in 2-[bis[2-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]ethyl]amino]acetic acid (DTPA) excess and human serum. In vitro studies were performed in tumor model cell lines. Receptor-specific binding was tested by competitive inhibition. (177)Lu-Nimotuzumab in vivo studies were conducted in healthy and xenograft animals. RESULTS: Nimotuzumab conjugates were obtained with high purity. Radiolabeling yield and specific activities ranged from 63.6% to 94.5% and from 748 to 1142 MBq/mg, respectively. The stability in DTPA excess and human serum was 95.9% and 93.2% after 10 days, respectively. The radioimmunoconjugate showed specific receptor binding in tumor cell lines. Biodistribution in healthy animals showed the typical behavior of the immunoconjugates based on monoclonal antibodies. The study in xenografts mice demonstrated uptake of (177)Lu-Nimotuzumab in the tumor and reticuloendothelial organs. CONCLUSIONS: (177)Lu-Nimotuzumab was obtained with high purity and specific activities under optimal conditions without significant loss in immunoreactivity and might be a potential radioimmunoconjugate for radioimmunotherapy of tumors with epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression.

Complexation and biodistribution study of 111In and 90Y complexes of bifunctional phosphinic acid analogs of H4dota.

In this study, the complexation rates of two new phosphinate H(4)dota (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) analogs, H(5)do3ap(PrA) and H(4)do3ap(ABn), and H(4)dota itself were compared under identical conditions (H(5)do3ap(PrA)=10-{[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphoryl]methyl}-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid; H(4)do3ap(ABn)=10-{[(4-aminophenyl)hydroxyphosphoryl]methyl}-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid). The biodistribution of their (111)In and (90)Y complexes in healthy rats was also studied. Unlike the observation obtained under "chemical" conditions where differences between the ligands were observed no such differences in complexation rates were found under radiochemical conditions. The ligands bind the radiometals similarly to H(4)dota. So, "chemical" formation kinetic data should be transferred into radiochemical conditions only with high care and "radiochemical" complexation experiments should be run as part of standard in vitro studies with new ligands considered as potential radiopharmaceuticals. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed similar distribution characteristics for both phosphinate H(4)dota analogs radiolabelled with (111)In and (90)Y when compared with that of the (111)In-H(4)dota complex. No specific uptake in any organ and tissue of rats was determined. The phosphinate complexes are not accumulated in calcified tissues.

Comparison of 111In-DOTA-NOC and 111I-DOTA-TATE distribution in the target and dose-limiting tissues: conflicting results in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: In this study, some important biological characteristics of two radiolabelled somatostatin analogues 111In-DOTA-1-Nal3-octreotide (DOTA-NOC) and 111In-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate (DOTA-TATE) were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were used for in vivo biodistribution experiments and in vitro cell models (OK and AR42J cell lines) were used for simulating the internalization in the kidney and in subtype 2 somatostatin receptor (SSTR2)-positive tissues, respectively. RESULTS: Significantly higher radioactivity concentrations in rat organs with high density of somatostatin receptors after 111In-DOTA-NOC administration in comparison with 111In-DOTA-TATE were observed. The predominant urine excretion was associated with accumulation of the radioactivity in the kidney, where higher retention of 111In-DOTA-TATE compared to 111In-DOTA-NOC was detected. In the OK cell line the opposite results were found. No significant differences in the in vitro internalization and externalization of radioactivity to AR42J cell line were found for either peptide suggesting their same affinity for SSTR2. CONCLUSION: Preclinical experiments indicated that 111In-DOTA-NOC is a very promising peptide for somatostatin receptor-positive tumour visualization. The conflict between the in vitro and in vivo kidney handling showed that the transfer of results from in vitro to in vivo conditions and their interpretation should be performed very carefully because both types of experiments can be affected by different factors, making their simple comparison difficult.

In vitro comparison of renal handling and uptake of two somatostatin receptor-specific peptides labeled with indium-111.

OBJECTIVE: Radiolabeled receptor-specific somatostatin analogs labeled with gamma- or beta-emitting radionuclides are useful for scintigraphic imaging and/or therapy of selected neuroendocrine tumors. However, significant renal uptake may result in radiotoxicological injury of the kidney and can limit clinical application of the agents. The aim of the study was to analyze renal handling, rate, and mechanism of renal accumulation of two somatostatin receptor-targeted peptides, [DOTA(0), Tyr(3), Thr(8)]-octreotide (DOTA-TATE) and [DOTA(0), 1-Nal(3)]-octreotide (DOTA-NOC), labeled with indium-111 using in vitro methods. METHODS: The perfused rat kidney and freshly isolated rat renal cells were used as experimental models. The perfusion was performed in a recirculation regimen at constant pressure with solution containing bovine albumin, erythrocytes, and a mixture of essential substrates. The renal cells were isolated from rat kidneys using two-phase collagenase perfusion. Accumulation studies were used to evaluate the renal uptake of the peptides and to compare their accumulation with that of passively or actively transported model drugs. The influence of selected inhibitors of receptor-mediated endocytosis and the inhibition of energy-dependent transport processes on the uptake were also investigated using isolated renal cells. RESULTS: The renal clearance of (111)In-DOTA-NOC in the perfused rat kidney was significantly lower than that of (111)In-DOTA-TATE. Reverse situation was found in the case of renal retention. Pretreatment of the perfused kidney with maleate markedly decreased the renal retention. (111)In-DOTA-NOC was accumulated in the isolated renal cells at a higher rate than (111)In-DOTA-TATE (ratio 3: 1). The uptake of the radiopeptides in renal cells was higher than the uptake of not only the passively transported sucrose but also actively transported and accumulated methylglucose. The rank order of potency to inhibit the uptake by active endocytosis was approximately aprotinin > maleate > lysine. The uptake of the radiopeptides in the renal cells was temperature dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Both in vitro methods showed a higher renal accumulation of (111)In-DOTA-NOC in comparison with (111)In-DOTA-TATE. The renal uptake was partly decreased by inhibitors of receptor-mediated endocytosis and by a block of energy-dependent processes. A significant participation of active transport processes in renal accumulation of the studied peptides was confirmed.

Biodistribution and elimination characteristics of two 111In-labeled CCK-2/gastrin receptor-specific peptides in rats.

BACKGROUND: Due to their high CCK-2/gastrin receptor selectivity, high affinity, and rapid background clearance, radiolabeled minigastrins (MG) are emerging as promising new tools in the diagnosis and therapy of CCK-2/gastrin receptor-positive tumors. In this study, the pharmacokinetic profile, particularly the excretion mode, of two 111In-labeled minigastrins was compared in rats. The first tracer, 111In-MG-0 is based on (D)Glu1-MG, while the second, 111In-MG-11, is its des-(Glu)5-derivative, expected to be less retained in renal tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fate of 111In-MG-0 and 111In-MG-11 in the body of rats was investigated during biodistribution and bioelimination experiments, while the respective elimination parameters were determined in perfused rat liver and kidney models. RESULTS: During biodistribution both compounds were rapidly cleared from the blood and most non-target organs whereas activity levels in the bowel and stomach declined slowly. The overall contribution of hepatobiliary excretion of 111In-MG-0 and 111In-MG-11 was relatively small. In the perfused rat liver their elimination into the bile was negligible. In contrast, renal excretion was the major excretion pathway for both analogs, mainly via glomerular filtration. However, kidney levels were substantially higher and retention was more prolonged in the case of 111In-MG-0 as compared to 111In-MG-11. CONCLUSION: The presence of the (Glu)5-chain in 111Ln-MG-0 appears to be implicated in the prolonged radioactivity retention in the kidney of rats.