ACCUMULATION OF RADIOIODINATED L-A-METHYLTYROSINE IN PANCREAS OF MICE - CONCISE COMMUNICATION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 20  (9) , 973-976
Abstract
[An improved imaging agent for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is needed]. L-3-iodo-.alpha.-methyltyrosine, labeled 131I or 123I, has a high pancreatic specificity in mice. A pancreas-to-liver ratio of 8.6 .+-. 2.7 is observed during the 1st h after i.v. injection. Accumulation is also prominent in the kidneys, but excretion of the radioagent is rapid, 50% of the activity being eliminated during 90 min. Compared with L-[75Se]selenomethionine, the compound currently used for pancreatic imaging, L-3-[123I] or [131I]iodo-.alpha.-methyltyrosine has a higher pancreas-to-liver ratio, a shorter physical half-life and biological half-time and better decay characteristics.