27] Synthesis and radiolabeling of galactosyl human serum albumin

Abstract

This chapter describes the procedures for the synthesis and radiolabeling of galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA). In addition, the radiochemical purity and stability as well as the biodistribution of technetium-99 m -labeled GSA in animals are presented in this chapter. The radioligand is commercially available in Japan and is actively used for the assessment of liver function, especially hepatic functional reserve by the concurrent use of a kinetic analysis system. It is expected that the usefulness of synthetic asialoglycoprotein analogs will continue to grow, not only for diagnosis of receptor function either by nuclear medicine techniques or by other techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, but also for therapy of liver diseases.