Radiolabeling of Iranian Androctonus crassicauda Scorpion Venom with Technetium-99m for Biological Studies

Abstract

Background: Androctonus crassicauda has a neurotoxin venom that can affect most of the vital organs of the body and result in death. In this study 99mTc-labeling and biological evaluation of Androctonus crassicauda scorpion venom are described.Method: In this research, Toxic fraction of this venom was labelled with 99mTc. Radiochemical purity of the labelled toxic fraction was obtained by using chromatographic system. Animal biodistribution studies were performed after injection of labelled compound into normal rats.Results: Radiochemical purity was obtained more than 90%. Biodistribution studies in normal rats showed moderate clearance of blood circulation system. The results of the study indicated that scorpion venom labeling with 99mTc can be a useful tool for the biodistribution and kinetic studies of the venoms for clinical use.