Detection of pulmonary embolism with 99mTc-Labeled F(ab)2 Fragment of anti-p-selectin monoclonal antibody in dogs

Abstract

highly desirable before anticoagulant therapy is initiated. However, the safe and accurate diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism remains a challenge. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a highly sensitive scintigraphic imaging technique. Pulmonary embolism can be detected by SPECT with 99mTc-labeled imaging agents that bind to components present predominantly on thromboemboli. P-selectin is an adhesion glycoprotein that is expressed in platelets and endothelial cells. P-selectin on activated platelets is a suitable biomarker of the active thrombus process. The objective of this study was to evaluate 99mTc-labeled F(ab)2 fragment of anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody SZ51, 99mTc-SZ51-F(ab)2, for imaging pulmonary embolism in beagle canines. SZ51 was digested to F(ab)2 fragment, named SZ51-F(ab)2, and its specific binding to P-selectin on either human or canine platelets was verified by flow cytometry assay. In each dog, an 18-gauge catheter was inserted into left or right pulmonary artery, and a two-stranded spiral stainless-steel coil (20 mm) was inserted through catheter. At 30 min after coil placement, X-ray angiography was performed to document the pulmonary embolism and the locations of the coil. After intravenous injection of 99mTc-SZ51-F(ab)2, experimental thrombi in dogs could be consistently visualized for 2-3 hours by SPECT. Pulmonary embolism showed higher uptake of 99mTc-SZ51-F(ab)2. The present study suggests that 99mTc-SZ51-F(ab)2 may be a promising agent for detecting pulmonary embolism. © 2011 Tohoku University Medical Press.