PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Xiao, Wu
AU  - Scott, Thomas M.
AU  - Feng, Liping
AU  - Yu, Zhongshui
AU  - Wang, Lili
AU  - Hughes, Jeffrey A.
AU  - Liu, Hu
TI  - Acetylated Low-Density Lipoprotein-Encapsulated Cholesteryl 1,3-Diiopanoate Glyceryl Ether for the Detection of Atherosclerosis in Rabbits
DP  - 2003 May 01
TA  - Journal of Nuclear Medicine
PG  - 770--773
VI  - 44
IP  - 5
4099  - http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/44/5/770.short
4100  - http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/44/5/770.full
SO  - J Nucl Med2003 May 01; 44
AB  - A cholesteryl ester analog, cholesteryl 1,3-diiopanoate glyceryl ether (C2I), was synthesized and investigated for its potential use for the detection of atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits. Methods: 125I-labeled C2I was incorporated into acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL). The resultant complex, 125I-C2I-AcLDL, was injected intravenously into 2 groups of rabbits, fed cholesterol and normal chow, at a dose of 555 kBq/kg. Tissue samples were taken 24 h after injection for the biodistribution study. Atherosclerotic lesions and C2I deposition in aortic samples were examined by Sudan IV staining and autoradiography, respectively. Results: The levels of C2I in blood and aortic samples in cholesterol-fed animals were 2- to 3-fold higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The autoradiography results correlated well with the Sudan IV staining results, indicating sites of C2I deposition superimposed on lesion sites. Conclusion: C2I was preferentially taken up and retained at atherosclerotic lesion sites, suggesting its potential use for the detection of early atherosclerosis.