Development of 177Lu-DTPA-SPIO conjugates for potential use as a dual contrast SPECT/MRI imaging agent

This study describes the preparation, biodistribution of 177Lu-DTPA-SPIO after intravenous injection in rats. The chelator DTPA dianhydride was conjugated to SPIO NPs using a small modification of the well-known cyclic anhydride method. Conjugation was done at a 1 : 2 (SPIO: ccDTPA) molar ratio. Conjugation reaction was purified with Magnetic assorting column (MACs) using high gradient magnetic field following incubation, the radio labeled conjugate was checked using RTLC method for labeling and purity checked. The RTLC showed that labeling yield was above 99% after purification and the compound have good in-vitro stabilities until 48 h post injection in the presence of human serum. The biodistribution of 177Lu-DTPA-SPIO in rats showed dramatic uptake in the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and their clearance is so fast in other organs especially in the blood. In conclusion, due to high uptakes of this radiotracer in the liver and spleen and their fast clearance from other tissues, especially in blood, it is suggested that this radiotracer would be suitable for RES studies.