INVITRO STUDIES OF LEUKOCYTE LABELING WITH TECHNETIUM-99M

Abstract

Separated leukocytes [human] were incubated with 99mTc, followed by reduction with stannous chloride and washing with acid citrate dextrose solution. Maximum labeling occurred after at least 5 min incubation with pertechnetate, followed by at least 10 min incubation with stannous chloride. Labeling was similar at room temperature and at 37.degree. C. The labeled leukocytes were viable, and reutilization of label did not occur in vitro. In acid conditions (pH 5.2), the elution of 99mTc from leukocytes was comparable with that of 32P-diisopropylfluorophosphate, but 99mTc elution was greater at pH 7.2-7.4. Neutrophils labeled more heavily with 99mTc than did monocytes, lymphocytes, erythrocytes or platelets.