Validating 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine as a platelet marker for non-invasive imaging in rabbits.

Introduction: Recent in vitro studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that platelets are necessary for leukocyte recruitment and airway remodelling in models of allergic airway inflammation, and also migrate to lung tissues in response to anti-IgE or relevant allergens in allergic asthma. Non-invasive imaging of platelet migration in vivo would provide a further insight into the roles of platelets in inflammatory diseases such as asthma, and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) was considered as a suitable platelet marker.

Methods: The kinetics of MIBG uptake into rabbit platelets, the effect of MIBG on platelet function and the effect of platelet activation on MIBG uptake and retention were investigated.