Epidermal growth factor receptor imaging in glioma

Objective: To explore a simple and quick method for labeling of EGF with technetium-99 99mTc) and its biological activity was remained; To explore a method of specificity and high affinity for the diagnosis of glioma. Methods: Following reduction of EGF with 2-ME, EGF was labeled with 99mTc in the presence of Sn2+, and the biological activity was judged by the culture of endothelial cells. Radiodistribution was observed after injecting of 99mTc-EGF into tumor-bearing Wistar rats in different hours of injection of 99mTc-EGF. SPECT images was carried out at 4 hour after intravenously injecting of 99mTc-EGF. Results: The method of radiolabelling was simple and 99mTc-EGF was of the characteristic of stability. The normal tissues that accumulated the high concentration of the radiopharmaceuticals were liver ,kidney and spleen, Tumor took relatively high concentration of the radiopharmaceuticals. Conclusion: The method of direct radiolabeling was simple and easy; radiolabeling EGF with direct labeling could offer a new and specific approach to diagnose tumor such as glioma expressing high level of EGFR from molecular level. (authors)