ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to ascertain the folate receptor (FR) targetability by an in vitro study and to acquire FR-targeted images in vivo models by using synthetic folate conjugates. PEG-folate was synthesized and labeled with (99m)Tc and fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC). Cell uptake studies were carried out in KB cells (FR-positive) and A549 cells (FR-negative) using FITC- and the (99m)Tc-labeled conjugates. The radiolabeled conjugate was intravenously injected to KB tumor xenografted mice. After it was injected, gamma images were recorded at 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hr. Cell uptake studies showed a difference between the KB cells and the A549 cells by flow cytometry analysis and gamma counting. On in vivo images, the tumor-tonormal muscle ratio was greater than 4. It ascertained that the PEG-folate conjugate specifically binds to the FR expressed on tumor cells in vitro. Moreover, it was possible to acquire the FR-targeted gamma images using PEG-folate conjugates in tumor models.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Humans , Mice , Carrier Proteins/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate/pharmacology , Folic Acid/metabolism , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Mice, Nude , Microscopy, Fluorescence , Neoplasm Transplantation , Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry , Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism , Technetium/chemistry , Time FactorsABSTRACT
No abstract available.