Implementation of 89Zr production and in vivo imaging of B-cells in mice with 89Zr-labeled anti-B-cell antibodies by small animal PET/CT

We examined the production, separation, and characterization of Zr-89, including supplementation of a commercial Cyclone (R) 18/9 with a self-made Solid Target System (STS). Obtained [Zr-89]Zr-oxalate was used for the labeling of anti-B cell antibodies with desferrioxamine-p-SCN as a bifunctional chelator. Zr-89-labeled antibodies were injected in DBA/1 mice to examine usability for detection of B cells in vivo. PET measurements showed binding of Zr-89-labeled anti-B cell antibodies in tissues with high frequencies of B cells, i.e. in spleen and lymph nodes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.