Uptake of ruthenium-labeled transferrin in healing wounds

Abstract

The distribution of 103Ru-labeled transferrin and [67Ga]citrate in nude mice with healing wounds was investigated. Mice were injected at various times prior to and after experimental skin wounds were made. Tissue samples revealed maximum accumulation of Ru labeled transferrin in injured skin, and adrenal glands. As wound healing progressed the differences between injured and normal skin diminished. [67Ga]citrate did not exhibit preferential uptake. Mobilization of [103Ru]transferrin into fresh wounds occurred as long as 48 h after injection of isotope. During the process of wound healing, and as much as four days after injury, differences between incompletely healed skin and normal skin can be discerned. Clearance studies of 103Ru in mice revealed that the longest retention was in liver and plasma. [103Ru]transferrin may have potential as a radiopharmaceutical for the study of wound healing in the laboratory setting.