Preparation of 99mTc-C60(OH)x and its biodistribution studies

The biological behavior of fullerene derivatives shows their considerable potential for medical applications. In order to provide a C-60 derivative for biodistriburtion studies, the Tc-99m-labeling of C-60(OH)(x) was optimized. Gamma counting and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were used to assess the biodistribution of the Tc-99m-labeled compound in mice and rabbits. Biodistribution studies in mice and imaging of rabbits indicated that Tc-99m-C-60(OH)(x) was widely distributed in all tissues. A significant percentage of total activity was retained for 48 h, particularly in the kidneys, bone, spleen, and liver. All tissues displayed a slow clearance over 48 h, except for bone, which showed slightly increasing localization within 24 h. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.