Targetting microbubbles of tumor lymphangiogenesis and ultrasound contrast imaging in vivo

Abstract

Objective To optimizing preparate for target microbubbles of tumor lymphangiogenesis which load anti-VEGFR-3 and anti-Podoplanin and to evaluate the imaging of this microbubbles. Methods The biotinylated anti-VEGFR-3 and anti-Podoplanin were conjugated to biotinylated microbubbles through biotin-avidin, its technology of preparation and progress were optimized. The proportion of reagents were adjusted. The targeted microbubbles were evaluated by immunofluorescence method and its effect was tested in vivo. Results High adhesion rate target microbubbles were successfully achieved which average particle size was 0.99 μm and the average antibody combined rate was 81.3%. Confirmed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope, it can clearly show the lymphangiogenesis and the metastasis of lymph nodes in vivo. Time-intensity curve showed more microbubbles, more intensity, more stay and better image. Conclusions These target microbubbles have a small particle size and high adhesion rate and a better contrast imaging. It is a more value ultrasound target contrast agents of lymph vessel with tumor and sentinel node. Key words: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Microbubbles; Lymphangiogenesis