A Study on the Labeling Efficiency and Cytotoxicity of Hepatocyte-targeting Galactosylated Chitosan Compounds / 대한핵의학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In prior study, we synthesized 99mTc-galactosylated chitosan (GC) and performed in vivo biodistribution study, showed specific targeting to hepatocyte. The aim of this study is to evaluate the labeling efficiency and cytotoxicity of modified galactosylated chitosan compounds, galactosyl methylated chitosan (GMC) and HYNIC-galactosylated chitosan (GCH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: GC, GMC and GCH were synthesized and radiolabeled with 99mTc. Then, they were incubated for 6 hours at room temperature and human serum at 37 degrees C. Labeling efficiencies were determined at 15, 30 m, 1, 2, 3 and 6 h after radiolabeling. To evaluate cytotoxicity, MTT assay was performed in HeLa and HepG2 cells. RESULTS: In comparison with them of 99mTc-GC, labeling efficiencies of 99mTc-GMC were significantly improved (100, 97 and 89% in acetone and 96.3, 95.8 and 75.6% in saline at 15 m, 1 and 6 h, respectively). Moreover, 99mTc-GCH showed more improved labeling efficiencies (> 95% in acetone and human serum and > 90% in saline at 6 h). In MTT assay, cytotoxicity was very low and not different from that of controls. CONCLUSION: These results represent that these compounds are radiochemically compatible radiopharmaceuticals, can be used in hepatocyte specific imaging study and in vivo gene or drug delivery monitoring.