Preparation and long-term biodistribution studies of a PAMAM dendrimer G5-Gd-BnDOTA conjugate for lymphatic imaging

Aims: To demonstrate the use of gadolinium (Gd)-labeled dendrimers as lymphatic imaging agents and establish the long-term biodistribution (90-day) of this type of agent in mice. Materials & methods: A G5-Gd-BnDOTA dendrimer was prepared and injected into mice and monkeys for MR lymphangiography, and long-term biodistribution of the conjugate was studied. Results: Administration of G5-Gd-BnDOTA in mice demonstrated a rapid uptake in the deep lymphatic system while injection in monkeys showed enhanced internal iliac nodes, indicating its general utility for lymphatic tracking. Biodistribution studies to 90 days showed that gadolinium conjugate is slowly being eliminated from the liver and other organs. Conclusion: The use of G5-Gd-BnDOTA holds great promise for lymphatic imaging, but its slow clearance from the body might hamper its eventual clinical translation.