In vivo behavior of technetium-99m labeled ibuprofen in infection and inflamation animal models

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to develop radiolabeled ibuprofen (99mTc-ibu) for imaging and discrimination of inflammation and infection and compare its biodistribution in two different animal models. Significance The development of radiolabeled ibuprofen as an imaging agent for inflammation and infection may have significant clinical implications for the diagnosis and management of various inflammatory and infectious diseases. This study provides a promising approach to the detection of sterile infections. Methods Ibuprofen was radiolabeled with 99mTc using the stannous chloride method with a yield of 99.05 ± 0.83% (n = 5). The in vivo biological behavior of radiolabeled ibuprofen was determined in Wistar albino rat models of sterile inflammation and bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus gram-positive bacteria. Biodistribution studies were carried out at different time points, and the results were compared between the two animal models. Results The uptake of 99mTc-ibu in sterile inflammation sites at all time points was higher than that in the infection sites. This suggests that 99mTc-ibu can be used to discriminate between sterile inflammation and bacterial infection. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the detection of sterile infections with 99mTc-ibu is possible and highly encouraging.