An in vitro model for the scintigraphic detection of thrombi using a 99Tcm-labelled antifibrin monoclonal antibody.

ABSTRACT

Because of their specific targeting properties, monoclonal antibodies have found widespread use in nuclear medicine. In this paper, a method is described for the evaluation of immunoscintigraphic parameters for the detection of thrombi, using a 99Tcm-labelled antifibrin monoclonal antibody (designated as Y22). An in vitro model was developed to evaluate the effects of various environmental conditions on uptake by plasma clots of 99Tcm-Tc-Y22 in circulating plasma on a gamma camera. The clots became visible as hotspots after approximately 1 h of circulation of 99Tcm-Y22 containing citrated plasma at 37 degrees C. Circulation of 99Tcm-fibrinogen, 99Tcm-HSA or 99Tcm-control MoAb did not show visible uptake by the clots under the same conditions. At 37 degrees C, 99Tcm-Y22 accumulated approximately four times faster than at 20 degrees C. Heparin did not affect binding of the antibody to clots. To assess the feasibility of thrombus detection in vivo, an extracorporeal rat thrombus model was used. A thrombus in a shunt between a carotid artery and a jugular vein became visible 1 h after injection of the labelled Y22 and, more clearly, after 3 h.