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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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Open Access 01-07-2012 | Original Article

Preclinical evaluation of two ⁶⁸Ga-siderophores as potential radiopharmaceuticals for Aspergillus fumigatus infection imaging

Authors: Milos Petrik, Gerben M. Franssen, Hubertus Haas, Peter Laverman, Caroline Hörtnagl, Markus Schrettl, Anna Helbok, Cornelia Lass-Flörl, Clemens Decristoforo

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 7/2012

Abstract

Purpose

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, and is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The mortality associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis remains high, mainly due to the difficulties and limitations in diagnosis. We have shown that siderophores can be labelled with ⁶⁸Ga and can be used for PET imaging of A. fumigatus infection in rats. Here we report on the further evaluation of the most promising ⁶⁸Ga-siderophore candidates, triacetylfusarinine (TAFC) and ferrioxamine E (FOXE).

Methods

Siderophores were labelled with ⁶⁸Ga using acetate buffer. Log P, protein binding and stability values were determined. Uptake by A. fumigatus was studied in vitro in cultures with high and low iron loads. In vivo biodistribution was determined in normal mice and an infection model was established using neutropenic rats inoculated with A. fumigatus. Static and dynamic μPET imaging was performed and correlated with CT images, and lung infection was evaluated ex vivo.

Results

⁶⁸Ga-siderophores were labelled with high radiochemical purity and specific activity. ⁶⁸Ga-TAFC and ⁶⁸Ga-FOXE showed high uptake by A. fumigatus in iron-deficient cultures. In normal mice, ⁶⁸Ga-TAFC and ⁶⁸Ga-FOXE showed rapid renal excretion with high metabolic stability. In the rat infection model focal lung uptake was detected by μPET with both compounds and increased with severity of the infection, correlating with abnormal CT images.

Conclusion

⁶⁸Ga-TAFC and ⁶⁸Ga-FOXE displayed excellent in vitro stability and high uptake by A. fumigatus. Both compounds showed excellent pharmacokinetics, highly selective accumulation in infected lung tissue and good correlation with severity of disease in a rat infection model, which makes them promising agents for A. fumigatus infection imaging.

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Title: Preclinical evaluation of two 68Ga-siderophores as potential radiopharmaceuticals for Aspergillus fumigatus infection imaging
Authors: Milos Petrik
Gerben M. Franssen
Hubertus Haas
Peter Laverman
Caroline Hörtnagl
Markus Schrettl
Anna Helbok
Cornelia Lass-Flörl
Clemens Decristoforo
Publication date: 01-07-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 7/2012
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-012-2110-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Preclinical evaluation of two ⁶⁸Ga-siderophores as potential radiopharmaceuticals for Aspergillus fumigatus infection imaging

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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