An experimental model to study the effects of a senna extract on the blood constituent labeling and biodistribution of a radiopharmaceutical in rats

Abstract

Cassia angustifolia Vahl (senna) is a natural product that contains sennosides, which are active components that affect the intestinal tract and induce diarrhea. Authors have shown that senna produces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) lesions in Escherichia coli cultures and can act as an antifungal agent. Natural drugs can alter the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (99mTc) and can affect the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals. In this work, we have evaluated the influence of a senna extract on the radiolabeling of blood constituents and on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) in Wistar rats. Twelve animals were treated with senna extract for 7 days. Blood samples were withdrawn from the animals and the radiolabeling procedure was carried out. The senna extract did not modify the radiolabeling of the blood constituents. A biodistributional assay was performed by administering Na99mTcO4 and determining its activity in different organs and in blood. The senna extract altered the biodistribution of Na99mTcO4 in the thyroid, liver, pancreas, lungs and blood. These results are associated with properties of the chemical substances present in the aqueous senna extract. Although these assays were performed in animals, our findings suggest that caution should be exercised when nuclear medicine examinations using Na99mTcO4 are conducted in patients who are using senna extract.

Effect of oral ingestion of an Arctium lappa extract on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate in rats

“…Uncaria tomentosa extract altered the uptake of the Na 99m TcO 4 in the heart, pancreas and muscle after the treatment orally (Moreno et al, 2007b). Souza et al (2011) demonstrated that natural products such as senna extracts can also induce changes in the biodistribution of Na 99m TcO 4. Jankovic and Djokic (2005) reported the alteration of the organ uptake of several radiobiocomplexes labeled with 99m Tc induced by the administration of the cytotoxic drugs methotrexate sodium and cyclophosphamide using this same experimental model (Jankovic and Djokic et al, 2005).…”

In vitro and in vivo studies of an aqueous extract of Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) on the radiolabeling of blood constituents, on the morphology of red blood cells and on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate

“…The possible explanation to the appearance of drug interaction with radiopharmaceuticals are (i) modification of the radiopharmaceuticals, (ii) alteration of the labeling efficiency of the radiopharmaceuticals, (iii) modification of the target organ, (iv) modification of no target organ, and/or the (v) alteration of the biding of the radiopharmaceuticals with the blood proteins. [19] Thus, the development of biological models to study the drug interactions with radiopharmaceuticals is highly relevant. Our findings demonstrated the relevance of these experimental models.…”

“…[1617] It has already been reported that biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals and radiolabeling process can be modified by a wide variety of conditions, such as, drug therapy, radiation therapy, disease and medicinal plants therapy. [1819]…”

Evaluation of biologic effects of an Ilex paraguariensis aqueous extract on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m and on the morphology of red blood cells

“…Data have demonstrated the effects of synthetic and natural drugs on this radiolabeling process (Mousinho et al, 2008;Holanda et al, 2009;Bustani et al, 2009;Rocha et al, 2009;De et al, 2009;Cekic et al, 2011;Souza et al, 2011). In consequence, the labeling of blood constituents with 99m Tc has been used as an in vitro assay to screening effects of synthetic or natural products that could have actions related to the band-3 and calcium channels or antioxidant/oxidant properties.…”